Food for Soul During Ramadan: Hits & Misses

1. Food for Soul during Ramadan: Hits & Misses With Ramadan literally knocking on our doors, there’s little time to waste and panic. Just stop, breathe, relax and resume. No doubt that Ramadan is supposed to mark a period in one’s life where it brings in a spirit of solitude by critically analysing self, a period of renewed faith, (Emaan) where you reflect on your actions and bond with the creator and foster good relations with kith and kins alike. And that’s the literature of it. But, if you happen to have one of those South Asian families where the major hassle still remains about what to cook and how much to cook, then i should say you’re welcome to read ahead. Many Muslims complain of weight gain during Ramadan instead of losing some. Ideally, one shouldn’t be losing or gaining any but maintain their stone count. Others complain of indigestion and other gastronomical pet- peeves, the names of which i wouldn’t bother you with. What one can do is to balance a healthy diet in lieu of the sudden sugar rush and Biryani craving. Enlisting some of the major Do’s & Don’ts which you could inculcate in your iftar during Ramadan. Go slow on those colas or Rooh Afzas- It’s understandable why one must feel a sugar rush after taking a few sips of sugar induced drinks especially if you have a sweet tooth. But you overdo this and chances of your BP shooting up increases two-folds. Carbonated drinks too don’t help. Have natural sugars such as fructose found in fruits like apples and pomegranates. Stack up on citrous fruits-At least we are doing good on the fruits part. Include as many colourful fruits possible to break your fast. Grapes, oranges, Raspberries etc. This helps you replenish your lost natural nutrients. Drink lots of water at regular intervals- Ideally two glasses of water will be more than enough to help you be satiated during Iftar. AS anything more than that will make you feel bloated and you won’t be able to eat anything else. Go slow but steady.

2. Hummus and Pulses-As synonymous with Pita bread, Hummus not only forms a staple part of every middle eastern Iftar cuisine but offers an excellent substitute for proteins and. Similarly a healthy mix of yellow pulses, thrown in together with carrots and tomatoes forms a good salad. Replace those tomato ketch ups with a a healthy spread of hummus on your club sandwich or pakodas. Dates & Nuts- Always remember it’s not only sunnah to break the fast with dates but is medically proven to be of great benefits when fasting or not as it strengthens the muscles. Similarly nuts have amazing organic fats and oils necessary for the body deemed essential. Golden Rule: That’s that and goes easy on fries and oil. Use olive oil and treat yourself with plenty of white meat to delicacies. And remember to see Ramadan as a period of self-control and not self-indulgence where dinners shouldn’t be replaced with a Thanksgiving spread. Okay let’s have the turkey at least! Source: Medium.com