6 Tips for Ramadan
- Drink enough water during the non-fasting period. Try to include at least 8-10 glasses of water before the fast starts again.
- Eat slowly when you break the fast. Your body needs to rehydrate and regain energy from the food and drinks.
- Include fluid-rich foods such as fruit, vegetables, soups and stews.
- Avoid salty foods. Salt will stimulate thirst.
- Be sure to eat your veggies! Have at least 2-3 cups of non-starchy vegetables each day.
- Avoid high fat foods such as deep-fried foods, rich creamy sauces, biscuits, cakes, chocolates etc. These foods add unnecessary calories and fat which can lead to weight gain.
- Divide your meals into 3 meals – iftar, a light snack and suhoor
- Exercise! Be sure to include exercise during the Ramadan month. Add a workout right before iftar or even go for a jog a while after your iftar meal.
- Include protein at each of your Ramadan meals. Choose leaner proteins such as fish and chicken or plant-based proteins such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, tofu etc. Protein is important for your muscles and also will help with satiety to keep you fuller for longer.
- Keep meals similar to what you would have on regular days. Try avoid or limit buffets or appetizers and desserts.