Holy Ramadan ended and Muslims all across the world are excited in an anticipation to avail the rewards that come along with the challenges of this blessed month. People usually get habituated with a month long fasting during this holy month. But it’s the after Ramadan eating habit that can make you healthy while reaping all the benefits of a sound body. During the holy Ramadan, our body gradually gets used to eating foods at specific times of the day. Despite of our natural tendency to get indulged in binge-eating after the holy month, we must realize there is no reason to think that we could catch up with the lost ‘eating opportunities’ instantly through continuous eating. The best strategy to ease back into normal eating after such a long fast is to go slow. You must concentrate on those foods that are easy to digest. You can pay close attention to the following tips and advice in order to make your landing ‘feather-soft’ on post-Ramadan eating habit.
Do’s
- For long term gains keep your food habit simple after the Ramadan.
- It is worth keeping in mind that you need 1 week in order to ease back to your body’s normal functioning.
- Try to consume fruits and vegetables based food. Vegetable soups, for example, are fiber rich that can restore lost nutrients.
- Then you can start adding protein-rich food to your diet.
- You can patronize your journey towards regular food habits by having 4-5 small meals throughout the day.
- Drink plenty of water with few drops of lemon juice in it. This will hydrate your body more efficiently.
- Citrus fruits like oranges or grapes are advised to consume in early post-Ramadan days.
- Food like yoghurts and labans are best because their good bacteria can reinstate the intestinal flora and proper metabolism within the digestive system.
- Start your day with a healthy breakfast. In the month of the holy Ramadan we are abstained from breakfast. Stay out of this habit as soon as the month ends.
- Skipping breakfast is never going to help you to ease back into the normal eating habit. Finally, try to take a sip of water in every hour.
Don’ts
- People tend to consume fried rice or meat recklessly just after the month of Ramadan mainly as a part of the celebration. This is probably the worst thing to do as these processed foods are a slippery slope to ‘retoxifying’ yourself.
- Don’t go to fast food shops or restaurants with buddies for at least next 20 days after the holy Ramadan.
- These foods contain preservatives as well as chemicals during preparation. Such wrong choice of meals can lead you to constipation, stomach ulcers or in extreme cases, a cardiac failure.
- Stay away from late night meals. During the Ramadan, we used to take Suhour in the later part of the night as Ramadan ritual.
- Don’t keep this habit running during normal days. This will add those dreaded extra pounds in your body while making you lethargic.
- Smoking is always injurious to health. However, if you are greatly habituated, forget that habit for at least next 15 days after the month of Ramadan.
- Tobacco will create a sudden shock to your cardiovascular system.
Some tips
- Go for a moderately light breakfast. For instance, whole grain cereals, oats, granola or whole wheat bread with low-fat cheese accompanied by a couple of tomato slices.
- Try to take your main meals that are in close proximity with Ramadan’s Iftar&Suhour timing.
- Increase your exercise level after the Eid.
- Decrease portion sizes to suppress the possibility of developing heartburn and indigestion.
- Restrain yourself from overeating of sweetened foods. Yes, it’s time to celebrate the Eid but it’s always a prudent choice to remain level-headed with your food.