Photo: Arwa Aburawa
‘Dozens hospitalized in Qatar after overeating during Ramadan’ reported a local newspaper on the second day of fasting. (Link)
One of the mistakes made by believers while breaking their fast is over-eating. The sight and smell of fresh kebabs, tandoor, qouzi and jireesh could make anyone go head over heels with love at Maghrib.
Here are a few tips for eating healthy during the month of Ramadan when food and drink are meant to be consumed:
- Avoid Fast – Food: Try to avoid burgers, sausages, french fries, sandwiches and the usual junk while breaking fast. They usually contain MSG, lots of Sodium and oils that enhance one’s cholesterol level. Stick to fruits and vegetables and if possible, buy local produce. They might be a bit more expensive than the imported ones but the healthy food will help keep the person’s energy levels up for the next day.
- Brown is in Style: Choose brown bread, brown rice, brown sugar, brown roti, etc. White contains high levels of carbohydrates and sugar. The sugar will increase the sugar levels in a person’s blood stream while consuming it on an empty stomach. Desserts contain sugar too, so try to use cane sugar or honey to prepare sweets.
- Check the C: ‘C’ stands for carbs and keep a check on it. Balance carb-rich foods with protein like red meat, tofu, fish and beans.
- Avoid Fried Foods: I love Zalabia and Samosas too but they are rich in carbs, oil and fat. It is possible to bake them instead of frying. Fried foods take longer to digest so consuming them first when breaking fast is a bad choice.
- Hydrate the Body: Proper hydration will speed up the digestion process and prevent the person from over-eating. Light smoothies, coconut water and lime juice are all excellent choices.
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