5 minutes

The month of fasting.. the month of change

Many people imagine that the holy month of Ramadan is one of the most difficult months in terms of exercising and maintaining a fit body, but this belief is far from true and correct. Ramadan in fact presents an exceptional opportunity to start a balanced and healthy lifestyle, enhanced by discipline. self-governed, and governed by the optimal management of eating habits.

As the change in the timing of sleep and food in this month, along with the physical activity of the body are clear factors affecting the various health aspects of the fasting person, the rate of fasting ranges between 14 and 15 hours, during which the body enters a state of energy storage during the iftar hours, and then provides it During the hours of fasting, and if any of the two sides of this equation is disturbed, the results will have repercussions on the fasting person’s health and his biological processes, and the changes here are many and varied, some of them are in terms of weight, and some are related to health and immunity.

Of course, all researchers and doctors agree that a balanced diet, along with moderate sports activities, provide a viable solution to that equation, and the most important way to stay healthy is the balance between effort and proper food.

For the sports-related aspect, it is recommended to reduce the level of strenuous and high-stress exercises, which may lead to dehydration and fatigue.

And the exercise should be at a time when the body's water reserves can be replenished as quickly as possible, one to two hours before breakfast.

As for the second part, it is the dilemma of the majority, which is related to the optimal diet, which is commensurate with the month of fasting, and the solutions here are simple and easy to achieve. The day in Ramadan extends from dawn to dusk, followed by an opportunity to restore energy and compensate for needs, through breakfast and suhoor, and a balanced diet. In these two meals, adequate amounts of nutrients and water are permeated with it, which is vital to store energy, and then release it gradually during fasting hours.

To talk more, we must first start with breakfast, which is the most important meal of the day, as it is preferable to start drinking water, then with a few dates, after that come the main ingredients such as meat, fish and poultry, in addition to rice, bread and other grain products, taking into account the distance from fats and sugars. And replace it with vegetables and fruits rich in nutrients.

As for suhoor, it should be from foods rich in fiber, which are slow to digest and provide energy for several hours. Also, you should stay away from foods that make you feel thirsty, such as salt, and those drinks that contain caffeine.

Because they are considered diuretics, the body loses water quickly, and prevents it from absorbing nutrients, and perhaps the most important thing in both meals is moderation and balance, and not excessive and extravagance.

The holy month of Ramadan is an opportunity for everyone to make changes in their habits and lifestyles, not only with regard to healthy food and physical activity, but also extends to psychological and social aspects as well. Adjusting small arrangements in life leads to permanent changes in the future, changes whose main title is health Better and greater happiness, or, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Fast, you will wake up.”

• Founder of Suhail Smart Solutions

To read the previous articles of the writer please click on its name.