Ramzan Reminder: Foods you must avoid to reap benefits of fasting

Muslims across the world will be beginning the fast on March 11 or March 12 depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.

The holy month of Ramzan is here and so is the time of feasting. Well, not quite! Ramzan which is the month of fasting is often confused by people as month of feasting. 

Muslims across the world observe fasting for one complete month (28-29 days) as it is one of the five principles of the religion Islam.

As people abstain from eating food and drink during the daytime right after the sunrise and before the dusk, they often splurge on food after breaking the fast at sunset.

It’s a no-brainer that we must avoid fast food and fried food as much as we can but unfortunately people go on its overdose during this month. Following a date to break the fast, there comes in Indian snacks like ‘samosas’, ‘pakodes’, ‘Dahi-Vades’ and what not. And how can one forget a glass of chilled ‘Rooh-Afza’ (‘sherbet’- a flavored syrup diluted with water with extra spoons of sugar added to an already sweet syrup).

While these have become synonymous to the month of fasting, it’s important to create awareness regarding what to eat and what not to eat to keep them healthy and avoid post-festival weight gain.

Starting with Suhoor (pre-dawn meal), it should always be kept light. If you are thinking of eating cereals, drop that thought now. Refined carbohydrates have high sugar content which can lead to a sugar spike in your body resulting in you feeling unsatisfied and tired. Fried food is a big no as it can cause bloating and not to mention possible indigestion. 

If you are eating nuts, avoid the salted ones as it can cause you to feel thirstier during the daytime and cause dehydration. Energy drinks are also not much of a help as those are high in sugar content as well. High fat food, spicy food, packaged food, all of them should be a no-go area. Now that you know what you should not eat, here’s what you should. 

Fruits, eggs, light salads, yoghurt can all be eaten. Keep it light, keep it healthy should be your mantra this Ramzan. For hydration, nothing beats water. So, consume as much water as you can during the night but do not go overboard with that either.

When it comes to ‘iftar’ (meal post breaking the fast), the mantra should be applied here as well. If you are someone who has a fulfilling ‘iftar’ and then again go for a sumptuous dinner, it might not be a good idea.

Combine dinner and ‘iftar’ to make one meal. Prioritize nutrient-dense foods to help you keep physically healthy which can in turn maintain emotional stability throughout this holy month. This Ramzan, try to reap both physical and spiritual benefits of this blessed month.