Health 
Find a FASTING to FEASTING
June 1, 2020
The month of Ramadan, a sacred period that takes us from fasting to feasting, marks the time when the Quran was revealed, a divine guidance for humanity, with clear signs of direction and a standard to distinguish right from wrong. And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, some other days. Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for you; and that you should complete the period, and that you should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that perhaps you may be thankful.
Fasting
Abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk for the sake of God makes the People stronger in their iman and brings them closer to God. As God has promised in the Quran that,
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous” (Al Quran 2:183)
Feasting
During iftar, people will decorate their dining tables with various dishes and savouries to treat themselves after fasting the whole day, from early morning till dusk. Usually, the entire family gathers to break fast together, which makes it even more special and fun. Through this act, greater bonding among family members and friends will be accomplished.
9 Things for this Month of Ramadan
Make your fasting healthier and more mindful this Ramadan with these simple tips on diet, hydration, and daily habits.
1. Choose a Balanced Diet to Balance Your Nutrition
Avoid high-sugar sweets; instead, choose protein-rich foods with an adequate amount of carbohydrates for optimal brain functioning.
2. Never Skip Your SUHOOR and IFTAAR
Start your “suhoor” with light foods that are easy for digestion and make you calm for the day. Suhoor should be a hearty, healthy meal to provide needed energy throughout a day of fasting. Try including more fibrous foods like oatmeal, lentils, and beans. Quinoa and nuts make a wholesome combination that can be added to your list of food items for Suhoor.
3. Stay Hydrated to Escape Dehydration
Staying Dehydrated is the key to preventing heat stroke during Fasting. Try aiming for at least ten glasses of water. Add fluids to your Suhoor and Iftar. Your digestive system will thank you when you avoid caffeinated drinks during fasting.
4. Add Fibre to Calm Your Stomach
Start with dates to maintain your blood glucose level. Add more coloured vegetables and fruits. As they are rich in vitamins and minerals, include a part of veggies and fruits in your meals to avoid vitamin deficiency.
5. Eat Slow to Break Your Fast
Fasting can help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and control sugar levels. Eat steadily to avoid the ‘secondary impact’ of your fasting.
6. No for Heavy Workouts
While exercising in a fasted state, it’s possible that your body will start breaking down muscle to use protein for fuel. Hence, be active rather than going for heavy workouts.
7. Worried About Diabetes During Fasting?
Start with complex carbohydrates in “suhoor” to have a steady flow of Energy during your day. Load with adequate carbohydrates in “iftaar” for maintaining your Sugar levels. It’s highly recommended to have a talk with your Dietitian before your Fasting Period.
8. No More Extras in Your SALT
As salt increases your thirst, it’s better to avoid Pickles, sausages, and thick sauces with high salt in your feasting and fasting
9. Watch out For Your Cooking Methods to Enjoy the Greatness of Food.
As iftaar contains heavy, protein-rich foods, it’s good to go on with different methods of cooking. Try these listed methods of healthy cooking, like boiling, microwaving, steaming, roasting, grilling, baking, stir-frying, poaching, etc.
