Ramadhan is just a few days away, and we know that most of you have made a resolution this fasting month to wake up early for sahur this year. You know too much about the one-meal-a-day struggle. But in all honesty, we get it. Who wants to wake up at four in the morning and cook?
In this article of our Ramadhan Fasting series, What to eat during Sahur? We’ll be listing out some essential elements you should try to include in your diet. It is after all the meal that’s going to sustain you throughout the day! Food aside, remember to have at least 1 litre of plain water in the morning. Your body will thank you.
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Complex Carbohydrates
Have you ever heard the saying, “The whiter the bread, the quicker you’re dead”? Well, if you haven’t: LISTEN UP. White foods like white rice, white sugar and white bread are great sources for energy, BUT they don’t last long and aren’t necessarily good for you.
Instead, give brown rice or wholemeal bread a try. Sure, you may not like them at first (especially if you’ve lived your whole life eating white carbs), but we promise you’ll appreciate the character that comes with brown carbs.
Check out this Pataya Fried Recipe and use brown rice instead. This is a great way to fill up using that leftover rice you had from your iftar yesterday.
Or, if you’re in the grab and go mood, whip up a batch of overnight oats in any way you like and pop it in the fridge. You’ll have a ready meal waiting for you.
Another quick fix for a complex carbohydrate sahur is a Chia Toast. Toast your favourite bread, slather it with peanut butter, chop up a banana and top everything off with chia seeds. It’s as filling as it is tasty you’ll be saying ‘Whole-y Grain’!
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Eat Your Water
Ramadhan in Malaysia means fasting for 7-8 hours a day- in this weather. As all of you know, we live in a classically hot and humid tropical climate. This means, sweating is second nature to us and in Ramadan- it’s not such a good idea to waste away your liquids.
Many people have many ways to get in their recommended-8-glasses-a-day quota in the short eating window we have. Some choose to gulp everything down during iftar, which may result in stomach cramps. To avoid that, why not find ways to eat your water. Choose foods with high water content- fruits and vegetables.
Therefore during sahur, try your best to sneak one of those bulk-buy fruits you impulsively bought while you were fasting.
Prepare salads like this Thai Beef Salad that are not only hearty but full of fibrous, juicy vegetables. Or, have a go at this Fruit Rojak recipe that will last the week if you keep the sauce and fruits separate. Fruits and vegetables- they make an excellent pear during Ramadan.
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Pack On Proteins
Meet meat- a great source of protein in your diet. You need proteins every sahur. It delays hunger pangs and provides energy. The best sources of proteins are eggs, yoghurt, beans, soy, fish, lean beef, and white-meat poultry.
If you’re rushing in the morning and have only a few minutes before you have to stop eating, we got you. Check out this Egg Mayo Sandwich recipe that’s packed with healthy fats and protein.
If you’re vegan or vegetarian, be sure to focus on plant-based proteins. These foods include tempeh, lentils, tofu, beans, chickpeas and a whole lot of fresh vegetables.
Check out this easy spicy Protein Packed Long Beans recipe. Or if you’ve bean thinking about beans, then try this Baked Beans Recipe. All great recipes for sahur!
Well, that’s about it for our Ramadhan Fasting series for Sahur, folks! Food aside, sahur is a great way to improve your overall discipline. Waking up early, committing to an integral part of Ramadhan all the while trying to keep your mood up every morning for the month will do great things for you self-growth. Good for you if you’re planning on waking up for sahur during this Ramadhan fasting!
If you plan on taking baby steps and want your food delivered to you instead of slaving away in the kitchen, head on over to the foodpanda app to have your sahur meals delivered to you. Don’t forget to subscribe to foodpanda Magazine as well!
Happy fasting!