Healthy Eating in Ramadan by Dr Tehreem Sarwar 

I love food. But I also think that our society today is dangerously over fed. We have gotten to the point where we don’t even understand what being hungry actually means because we are always eating. Ramadan is the perfect time to start disciplining your body to eat what it NEEDS and not simply demand what it WANTS. The Prophet (PBUH) eloquently explained the true needs of the human body in this hadith: “No human ever filled a vessel worse than the stomach. Sufficient for any son of Aadam are some morsels to keep his back straight. But if it must be, then one third for his food, one third for his drink and one third for his breath.” [Ahmad, At-Tirmidhee, An-Nasaa’ee, Ibn Maajah – hadeeth saheeh.]

Fasting helps us realize our true needs, and helps us to realize that sometimes LESS food is better for our minds and bodies to perform at the optimal level. The RAMADAN WEIGHT LOSS DIET PLAN will help you to feed your body sufficient. healthy food, so that you will have more strength to do more ibadah. You should be able to fulfill the obligatory fasts, and still have energy left to observe voluntary actions such as Taraweehprayers.

Dietary guidelines

Drink plenty of water and eat hydrating foods during Ramadan.Eating three dates to break your fast is a traditional and healthy way to begin iftar. Incorporate plenty of vegetables to provide vital vitamins and nutrients Choose whole grains, which provide the body with energy and fibre. Enjoy grilled or baked lean meat, skinless chicken and fish, to get a good portion of healthy protein.In general, avoid fried and processed foods high in fat or sugar.
Example of an iftar meal
• Home-made vegetable soup (not from soup-powder)
• Green salad, or other vegetable salad of choice
• Stuffed vegetables (squash/eggplant/grape leaves)
• Baked chicken breast
• Drink plenty of water; lemon slices and mint leaves can be added to enhance the taste.
Example of a suhoor meal
• 2 slices of bread
• Vegetable omelette or hard-boiled egg
• Sliced vegetables from two vegetables
• Labane or cheese with added za’atar and olive oil
• Herbal tea
• Don’t forget to drink an adequate amount of water.
Eat healthy and be active in Ramadan

Obviously, there are many hundreds of other ways to keep healthy during Ramadan and we’re sure you will share your tips with us.

While you open and close your fast this year, we urge you not to forget those in need during Ramadan; those who don’t have the option of eating healthy or otherwise. You can donate to Muslim Aid’s Feed the Fasting campaign here.

P.S. There is nothing wrong with indulging a little on Eid after your abstaining efforts during Ramadan!