It’s that time of the year again; Ramadan! During the ninth month of the Islamic year, one million Muslims from our country dedicate themselves to a special period of cleansing and reflection. This period is known as the fasting month, and this is also called Ramadan. During Ramadan, you can not eat, drink, smoke or have sexual intercourse from sunrise until sunset. Because of the name ‘fasting month’, you might think that you will lose weight because of all that fasting. But this is usually not the case. After sunrise, you usually stay inactive because you want to save your energy. After sunset, people enjoy the iftar meal with their family. How do you stay healthy during Ramadan? In this article, you will find some tips.
Eat enough fibre
When the sun sets and it’s time to eat, make sure you choose food with plenty of fibres, protein and nutrients. Fibres are good for your body and will also provide you with a full feeling for a longer time. Try to eat whole grain products and vegetables and avoid the tasty puff pastry snacks.
Eat slowly
It is very important to eat slowly and to chew properly during your meals. It is very likely that you’re hungry and want to eat a lot and fast after a long day of fasting. But eating too fast and too much can cause a lot of discomfort and stomach pain. It’s good to know that your stomach only gives a signal to your brain 20 minutes after you’ve had enough to eat. For this reason, it is wise to chew well and eat slowly.
Hydration
It is important to drink at least 2 litres of water during Ramadan to prevent dehydration and this is especially true when the temperature is rising. During breakfast, it is important to drink a few extra glasses of water. Just as with eating, it is very important to drink slowly to prevent stomach problems. Start with a few sips of water. Furthermore, it is helpful to avoid sodas: they contain a lot of calories and they can also cause pain in your stomach. Choose water and tea without sugar.
Keep moving
Being active during Ramadan always remains a challenge. Moving too intensively can be dangerous if you do not drink or eat anything, so try to do an activity that you can sustain. For example, you can take a walk. Try to approach it in a smart way by walking during the cool hours of the day.
It is the small adjustments that can make a big difference to go through Ramadan in a healthy way. Eat and drink more consciously and try to find the balance between exercise and relaxation.
Keep track in the NiceDay-app
Are you excited to try out these tips during Ramadan? Try to keep track of your food intake and your emotions by writing in your diary in the NiceDay app.
