Very simple and easy to follow tips that can change this month from being a burden to being a very healthy holy month. What some don’t know is that some western non-Muslims fast for healthy reasons. A similar fasting tradition however it does not follow the dusk to dawn concept, they fast for 12-16 hours and break their fast in vegetable fresh juice followed by 2 light meals, then they fast again. Studies on the matter proved that fasting for a short period of time does improve your digestive ability and can help cleansing. The important point is what breaks this fast.

If you just replace our typical Egyptian foods like Kobeba, Wara2 3enab and 2atayef in Ramadan to quina stuffed ma7shy, baked kofta and a fruit platter you would benefit so much from this holy month. 

 

Here is how you do it: 

1- Do NOT train pre-iftar unless it is right before AND is extremely low intensity. Any high intensity training will result in injury or FAT GAIN. 

2- Break your fast with something small like an apple and some nuts, a couple of dates, a banana or even a bowl of soup. Then take 15-30 mins off (This could be when you workout) and have your iftar, which should be an average meal. One you could eat a couple of hours after, not one that will keep you stuffed till sohour.

3- Ditch all sugar added drinks like Amar el Din and Karakade, or make your own without refined sugars. 

4- Ditch desserts and have fruits instead.

5- Drink plenty of water. This Ramadan happens to be in the peek of the summer. In normal circumstances you would be asked to make sure you stay hydrated through out the day. 

6- Avoid foods with high enzymes or sodium. They will dehydrate your body and/or load your kidneys. 

 

7- Sleep well, Ramadan is a night month which pushes everyone to stay out all night socializing over sohour. If you have a 9 to 5 job make sure you sleep enough during the night, and maybe a power nap during the day. You don’t want the stress to over load your body. Again, injury and/or fat gain.

ONE LAST NOTE: If you are starting to teach your kids fasting, make sure they hydrate very well. Kids need a lot of fluids and dehydration sign are very vague unless it’s serious. Our advice if they are not old enough give them water and fluids through-out the day or have them break their fast earlier than you do. 

 

Have a lovely holy Ramadan and stay healthy and fit.