Save the date! No, we’re not talking about keeping your calendar free, but the fruit Muslims across the world eat to break their fast (iftar) during Ramadhan, a fasting month. Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion and worship.
While many commit to a more spiritual lifestyle, you’ll see more food posts on your social media feed than you’ve ever seen the whole year!
Yes, Ramadhan is also a month where many expand their culinary skills- and maybe their waistlines. How couldn’t they right? Each time you step into your local Ramadhan bazaar, you might leave with five meals for yourself. While it’s nice to reward yourself after a long and trying day of fasting, we must remind ourselves to step away from indulgence.
In this article of Ramadhan Fasting: What to eat during Iftar?, we’ll be prepping you on some ways to eat healthy, sustainably and moderately to make best out of your Ramadhan.
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Powerful Potassium
If you lead an active lifestyle, especially when you’re fasting- you’ll be familiar with those late-night leg cramps that sneak up on you when you stretch in your sleep. That’s most likely because you’re lacking potassium intake during your meals.
Potassium should be your new best friend during Ramadan. It’s packed with nutrients that keep you energized throughout the day. Many studies have suggested that with a higher intake of potassium- usually found in bananas, anchovies and leafy greens- you’ll be more set to face the day sans burnout.
Another important food element to consider during the fasting month is none other than the trusty date. Packed with potassium and sugars- most Muslim households break their fast with a piece of date first. It is said to have the power to immediately energise your day.
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Cool as a cucumber
While drinking a lot of water during Ramadan is a must, remember to increase your intake of fruit and vegetables. Cucumbers, lettuce and other vegetables are high in fibre and water. With high fibre, comes great bowel movement! We know- it sounds gross but the last thing you want on Ramadan is constipation. So, pack up on those greens for healthier looking skin and a smooth bowel!
It is recommended to have at least two servings of fruits and vegetables each time you eat during Ramadhan. So be sure to include fruits as your dessert instead on some sugar-packed meal!
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Stay away from sugar
We’re not going to sugar coat it- sugar is bad for you. As much as you’d like to down a gallon of your favourite carbonated drink- we highly suggest you head the other direction. These sugary drink are a recipe for disaster when you end up with a short stint of energy met by immediate lethargy. Most times, what your body is asking for is water. That’s right- just a plain glass of cool water can do the trick. Alternately, give coconut water a try- it’s packed with minerals your body will thank you for.
Once again, desserts with high sugar content is just not worth the doctor’s trip at the at the end of the month. Instead, try fruits or alternate your chocolate goodies at the end of every week.
Focus on food with natural sugar if you’re really craving for the sweet stuff. Drizzle on some honey to that fresh-cut fruits you’ve prepared. Add in a drop of stevia sugar to that cold jug of lemonade you just made.
Choose dark chocolate instead of the usual Oreo-packed one you usually get. It’s a small change that will make a world of difference.
If you’re used to indulging on food and drinks every fasting month, try to change things up this Ramadan! Remember, modesty is key when fasting.
We know that for many of you, cooking during Ramadhan is a no-no. You’ve just worked yourself to the bone at the office, endured gruelling traffic on your commute back and you live nearby good food- so what’s the point?
Instead of taking more time out of your day to drive to your favourite iftar places, head on over to the foodpanda app and have your favourite meals delivered to you! Also, don’t forget to subscribe to foodpanda Magazine as well!
Ramadhan Kareem.
