In 4 days the first Taraweeh will be read for Ramadaan this year. Many are busy stocking freezers and pantries for all the delights and treats that get made in this time. And while the treats are a joy during this blessed month it is important to remember its essence and to go into the month with a clear mind and plan on how to make the most of it. Let’s not negate the spirit of sacrifice and abuse our bodies with unhealthy savouries and rich beverages. Here are a few simple tips on how to keep your iftaar and non fasting times just a bit healthier.

1. We all like our falooda, but a sweet, milky drink every evening is perhaps a bit much. Try mixing your rose syrup with just water, sabja seeds, and a little bit of sugar if you must. This makes a much more refreshing and lighter drink to break fast with. Did you know that Sabja is also known as Nigella or Chia seeds. Chia seeds are fast becoming one of the most popular additions to healthy food diets and is being added to muesli, smoothies even puddings among others. And you thought it was only good for falooda….
   UPDATE: Upon more recent research I found out that Sabja and Chia are in fact different. While sabja seeds, which Indian cuisine is very familiar with has many benefits, Chia seeds have even more health benefits. They look very similar, but sabja swells up a bit more than chia in water. Use either, it’s your choice. Read more about their differences here.
2. It’s Iftaar time – those 5 savouries that you put in your plate… maybe start by cutting that down. Limit yourself to breaking fast with a date, some water and one savoury. You’ll notice your namaaz straight after, before your main meal, will be slightly more comfortable.
3. What you eat at Suhoor sets you up for the rest of the day. Forego the curry and roti from the night before and choose wholesome options like banana, peanut butter, wholewheat toast and slow digesting oats.
4. Sometimes it’s hard to eat a full meal so early in the morning. Smoothies are a great way to combine several healthy ingredients in an easy to drink beverage.
5. Have your soup and salad first at your Iftaar meal. These are lower in calories and make you feel full. Starting your Iftar meal with a warm soup comforts the stomach after a long day of fasting, replenishes your body with fluids and helps prepare the digestive system.
6. Chances are you will feel tired and lethargic, but a little light exercise is still doable. Just taking a daily walk for 30 minutes will give you a boost and help burn off some extra calories.
7. Having three meals is still important during this holy month: Iftaar, a light evening snack, and Suhoor. This would help you avoid continuous snacking throughout the non-fasting hours.
8. Ensure your Iftaar meal is balanced. Have one quarter of the plate filled with complex carbohydrates, one quarter with lean meat or protein, and half with vegetables.
9. If you are a coffee drinker and cannot do without, try to have it an hour or 2 after your Iftaar meal.
10. And lastly, hydrate! To prevent getting thirsty during Ramadan, drink plenty of water during non-fasting hours, avoid foods that are too spicy or salty, and consume more fruits and vegetables that are refreshing!

I hope these tips help you to achieve a healthier Ramadaan. May you have a blessed one and find a revival in spirit, soul and body.

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