Welcome to the newsletter for people who love to eat, drink and travel. Every Thursday, by 3pm, you’ll receive the tastiest stories from Africa’s dining tables. Forward to someone!
Welcome to today’s issue of Deliciously, the newsletter you actually remember signing up for. It’s Ramadan season, guys, and to commemorate this holy month with our Muslim brothers who are currently fasting, we will take it easy with the food thirst traps we will send out for the next couple of weeks.
You can reply to this newsletter with your funniest Ramadan stories. Of course, I’m human enough to recognise that you haven’t always been faithful with this fasting thing. Remember back in secondary school when you forgot to wake up for Suhoor, so you abandoned the whole fasting thing for a day while hoping that Allah would understand? Serve us the tea!
I have a Ramadan story myself, even though I’m not a Muslim. I was in JSS 3 at boarding school and Ramadan sounded cool as hell. My Muslim friends would wake up just before dawn to feast, and the school made sure to keep their breakfast, lunch, and dinner for when they would break their fast and eat all three meals together. My goofy ass wanted a taste of that special treatment, so I decided to join them for Ramadan.
At 5 AM, I jumped out of bed to join my Muslim friends to feast. Oh, I ate like it was my last meal on earth. I ate like a mainland babe on a date she wasn’t paying for. My Muslim friends were so proud of me because of how I ate; they assumed I’d fast three hours longer than theirs.
By the grace of God, when the time got to 11 AM, I wanted to die. On a typical day, I could have gone longer without eating, but the moment Satan discovered I was fasting, he started to work harder. 1 PM laidis, I was at the lunch table waiting for them to serve us because I couldn’t can anymore. Subhanallah. That was the last time I fasted in this life. Maybe that’s why my life is like this, where I’m writing newsletters for a living.
Anyway, in the spirit of Ramadan, I’m bringing you tips on how to make the most of your diet and maintain a healthy diet throughout this fasting season. As we already know, fasting plays a big role in our health, as your body will benefit or suffer from your reduced food intake based on your previous health conditions.
Maintaining a healthy diet during Ramadan can be crucial for your overall well-being. Here are five tips to help you make the most of your diet during this fasting season:
Balanced Suhoor (Pre-dawn Meal):
Begin your fasting day with a balanced meal during Suhoor. Include complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and oats, which release energy gradually, keeping you fuller for longer. Incorporate lean proteins like eggs, yoghurt, or nuts to help maintain muscle mass and regulate blood sugar levels throughout the day. Additionally, include fruits and vegetables for essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre to aid digestion.
Stay Hydrated:
Hydration is key during Ramadan, especially since fasting involves abstaining from fluids for long hours. Drink plenty of water between Iftar (breaking fast) and Suhoor to prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeinated and sugary beverages as they can lead to further dehydration. Coconut water, herbal teas, and plain water are excellent choices to keep you hydrated throughout fasting.
Mindful Eating during Iftar:
When breaking your fast at Iftar, opt for nutrient-dense foods that replenish your body’s energy stores. Start with dates and water to replenish glucose levels and rehydrate your body. Follow this with a balanced meal comprising lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables. Avoid overeating or indulging in high-calorie, fried, and sugary foods, as they can lead to digestive discomfort and energy crashes.
Moderate Physical Activity:
Engage in light to moderate physical activity during Ramadan to maintain your fitness levels and boost your metabolism. Incorporate activities like walking, yoga, or light stretching exercises after Iftar or before Suhoor to promote circulation, muscle strength, and overall well-being. However, avoid intense workouts during fasting hours to prevent exhaustion and dehydration.
Monitor Portion Sizes and Meal Timing:
Pay attention to portion sizes and meal timing to prevent overeating and promote digestion. Break your fast with a small portion of nutritious foods during Iftar, allowing your stomach time to adjust to food intake. Similarly, practice portion control during Suhoor to prevent discomfort and bloating. Aim for balanced meals that provide sustained energy and satiety throughout fasting.
By following these tips, you can maintain a healthy diet during Ramadan, maximise your fasting experience, and prioritise your well-being and nutrition.
I’d like to point out that I’m not giving you these tips because I love you. I’m just staking my claim to Eid al-Fitr food at your place because, remember, I helped you during these trying times. See you next week, lovelies. Do not forget to follow our Twitter account here. Also, remember to recommend our newsletter to your friends. See you next week, lovelies.
