Ramadan is the ninth month of lunar calendar and Muslims abstain from food, drink and other pleasures from dawn to dusk. Working hours are less during Ramadan and children have vacations so that they can spend more time in worship.
However, during Ramadan children and adults alike gain weight because of overeating and staying in bed for most part of the day, or until Iftar. Ramadan is not about eating rich food, instead it is about patience and gratitude.
Ramadan is also not about fasting while sleeping — the purpose of Ramadan is defeated if you sleep without praying, supplicating or doing any form of worship. Sleeping long hours can also wear you out — and make you angry and grumpy. It even leads to depression and can cause health complications.
Hence, even during Ramadan sleep for 6-8 hours only. Take up an activity, help your mom by doing chores at home, or listen to Islamic stories or narrations. Search for simple, healthy recipes online and help your mom in preparing Iftar. The Internet is filled with recipes that can be made quickly and easily with ingredients that are available in the house.
The days in Ramadan this year are long and its extremely hot outside. Even though you may not be doing anything at all while staying at home, you are going to feel thirsty. Almost 60-70 percent of your body is made of water and if the intake is reduced, it can affect your body. So it is necessary that we must keep the balance of water in Ramadan as well to keep your body and mind working properly and calmly.
• Water is the best drink to replenish your thirst during Ramadan, as it helps with digestion, unlike other sugary, calorie-packed drinks.
• Avoid salty, spicy food at Suhoor as it will increase your thirst and robs your body of moisture.
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day to balance its intake and more if you workout or stay outdoors.
• Binge on fresh fruits and vegetables. This fiber enriched diet is the best way to stay healthy this Ramadan.
• Eat slowly – it takes time for your stomach to digest food and informing if it is full or it needs more.
• Proteins stalls off hunger. It is better to have dates, nuts, cheese and yoghurt at Suhoor to provide you energy for the day.
• Keep in balance your portion for deep fried items considering they are special Ramadan delights and prepared in large amount.
• Drink fresh fruit juice and avoid overeating.
• Take cold showers. It would help to moisturize your skin and freshens up your mind.
• Smile; it is Sunnah, and it will relax your muscles while changing your state of mind.
