The holy holiday of Ramadan is quickly upon us, and many are preparing for fasting, prayers, and solitude that will commence for the entire month. Muslims all over the world will stand in solidarity and abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset.
Ramadan is a time to focus on spiritual growth through prayers, studying sacred texts in the Quran, and charity work. Fasting during this time allows the devotee to practice self-discipline, cleanse the mind, body, and soul, and develop more compassion towards the poor and suffering. Fasting is no easy fete, especially when food is so easily accessible, and you are exposed to others at work or school who continue to eat while you fast.
During this time, it is important to be mindful of your health and nutritional intake. Many experience extreme fatigue, foggy brain, low blood sugar, irritability, and general hunger during the fasting period. It’s very important to fast safely during Ramadan and seek guidance from your religious leader or medical practitioner if you suffer from any health conditions that might hinder your ability to fast. In this article, we will talk about ways to support the body nutritionally while preparing for Ramadan.
Wholesome Foods
Eating the right foods after sunset is key to a tolerable fast after sunrise. The cells of the body need fuel to run on. This fuel comes in the form of nutrients that we get from our food. When fasting, the cells will draw upon the body’s energy reserves in the form of sugar from carbohydrates, then protein and fats. It’s important that we are “fueled” up with wholesome foods at suhoor with foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, fresh meats, and juices. Be mindful of your salt intake at this time as well because it leeches water from the body and can make one extremely parched during the fasting period. Discover more tips for healthy Ramadan fasting.
Stay Hydrated with Water
Quenching your thirst with a large glass of water in one gulp is no way to stay hydrated. The trick is to take small gulps so the water has a chance to get absorbed into the cells vs flushed out in the washroom immediately after. When you feel thirsty, the body is already dehydrated, try to drink water even when you don’t feel thirsty, this will keep the cells oxygenated while avoiding dehydration during the fast.
Halal Vitamins
Taking the right halal vitamins for fasting is key to sustained energy, mental clarity, and satiety. Some people handle fasting more easily than others for various reasons, but everyone can benefit from an extra kick of nutrients in the form of supplements.
Vitamins for Energy
There’s nothing worse than going through the day groggy and tired. Many of us still have to work, go to school, and care for the children while fasting. Noor’s Energy+ Multivitamin is loaded with a full spectrum of vitamins that help to fuel the cells, along with B- vitamins for energy. There’s no need to worry about getting tired during the day because B vitamins help the body create ATP energy, a form of cellular energy for the body. Vitamins for energy like Energy+ Multivitamin along with greens powders, and herbs, help you to maintain your regular pace throughout the day.
Omega 3 for Mental Clarity
It can be difficult to focus when you haven’t eaten all day. Supporting the mind through long periods of fasting is important for not only physical activity but for spiritual ones as well. Ultra Omega is high-potency fish oil that supports mental clarity and focuses while preventing brain fog and discombobulation. It is an excellent supplement for fasting as it is not manufactured in the body so we must obtain it through food or supplements. It is essential to the heart, brain, bone, and eye health. Foods that are rich in Omega 3 include freshwater fish, avocado, nuts, and flaxseeds.
Protein Powder for Satiety
It can be difficult to feel full when you haven’t eaten all day. Hunger pains can be a literal pain, especially when the body is used to having hearty meals. During this time, we should be filling ourselves spiritually with prayers and charity and physically with filling protein shakes. Protein meal replacements have many benefits and are a great way to satiate the body. It is proven that whey protein in particular provides a more “full” feeling than any other type of protein, including casein and soy.
If you are concerned about your weight and eating too much after sunset, then a whey protein meal replacement may be the answer for you as it contains fewer calories and still provides the feeling of a full and nourishing meal. Intermittent fasting has also proven to be of some benefit for weight loss when implemented during the Ramadan season.
All in All
Fasting is cleansing to the mind, body, and soul. During Ramadan, we have the opportunity to reconnect with ourselves and fill our coffers with holy words, prayers, and good deeds. Millions of people all over the world will spend one whole month abstaining from food and worldly pleasures as we take this time to remember and honor the origins of Islam. Be proactive before Ramadan begins and take advantage of the Ramadan Bundle and stay up to update with a variety of tips to prepare for Ramadan. Have a safe and happy Ramadan!
