Keeping Healthy During Ramadhan

The vision of Islam in all issues is moderation, including eating. Ramadhan is all about cleansing, physically and mentally. However, most people still follow the old habits on excessive eating even though they are aware of the harm to the body and mind.

There are a lot of reading materials popping out during Ramadhan in the media and all are giving the same advice, “eat this, eat that”, “do not eat this, and do not eat that”. Our normal response would be “Oh, I already know that” or “I’ll eat whatever I like now but I’ll be on a strict diet after Ramadhan” or “after Ramadhan I’ll sign up a slimming session at …”. We are just human!! It is not easy to change especially when it comes to eating habits. Who can resist the temptation of foods during Ramadhan?

So let’s eat then during Ramadhan, but the correct ways!! First of all lets try to understand about our body. When we are fasting during the day, our blood sugar level is decreasing. If you are working and having activities during the day, the level will be much lower. At this stage, the brain is saying to your body “emergency situation, starvation!!” That’s why during Ramadhan we have the cravings for foods. We are going nuts with foods!! During the last few minutes before Iftar, our temptation to eat is very strong. Those are the symptoms of starvation and our response is normal and we cannot control this. Thank god!!

But what can I do?? The nutritionists said don’t stuff your self it’s not healthy!!
The answer is easy! Boost your blood glucose level to curb the starvation symptoms.
Traditionally, we start our Iftar with dates and a glass of water/milk. This practice began with the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). He would break his fast with dates. There are many hadiths in which Prophet Muhammad (SAW) encourages Muslims to eat dates. Following our Prophet Mohammad (SAW) habit is the correct way to start our Iftar and to replenish our blood glucose level. You can also have warm fruit juices and other fresh and dried fruits to complement the starting of your Iftar. It is advisable to wait for at least half an hour before you eat your main Iftar meal. It is a good practice if you could do your Magrib prayer during this break. It is a guarantee that you will not perform your Magrib prayer with a heavy stomach.

Once your blood glucose is replenished you would get rid of the cravings and you could control easily on the amount of food that you eat. Most important you could think rationally. Go ahead eat whatever you like for your main Iftar meal but remember in moderation. If you still have problems in controlling yourself, try having a glass of water mix with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar just before you eat your main Iftar meal. Go ahead have some snacks after your Terawih prayer and enjoy yourself with a warm cup of tea.

I have played around with this theory with my family during this holy month of Ramadhan. There was one day where I really follow my cravings and cooked as many choices of foods as I could. We then started our Iftar with heavy and deep fried foods. We kept on eating and eating. I can never stop eating because the cravings did not go. I was so surprised I have rooms in my stomach to eat. We end up stuffing ourselves and could hardly move. It was so hard to perform the Magrib prayer afterwards. If I keep on practicing this habit during Ramadhan, I will end up after 30 days of fasting adding 10kg to my weight; increasing the storage of fat cells, free-radicals and toxins in my body and increasing my chances of getting sick. Let us not forget the health benefits of fasting in the first place!!!