As we all know, Ramadan is the Holy Month of fasting and blessings. It brings with it a host of unique tradition, of which food habits and eating during Ramadan play a significant role. It is also about following the right food habits for a balanced Iftar which majorly contributes to maintaining our health during the holy month of Ramadan.

HERE ARE SOME SIMPLE TIPS FOR A HEALTHY BALANCED IFTAR DURING RAMADAN:

• Start your Iftar by eating two dates, especially if you suffer from a headache or dizziness which could be due to low blood sugar levels during fasting.
• Make sure to drink sufficient amount of water, fresh and healthy juices or yogurt before you start eating. This will prevent you from dehydration and provide your body with enough fluids.
• Add a bowl of soup, in your Ramadan meal, since it prepares the stomach to receive the rest of the meal and helps refill some body fluids lost during fasting.
• Eat a salad as it is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibers. The more colourful your salad looks, the more health benefits it holds. It gives you a feeling of fullness, ensuring that you eat very less of the main dish.
• Consume a moderate amount of food intake for maintaining good health. Ensure, the main meal should always contain a source of carbohydrates like rice, pasta, potatoes or burghul, as well as proteins like chicken, beef, or fish, along with cooked vegetables.
• When it comes to eating starters -fried foods and sweets, moderation is key as these foods are very rich in fats, salt, and sugars. When enjoying these treats, try to control the size of the portion to stay healthy and prevent weight gain.

As the sun sets, the ceremonious sounds of the traditional cannon roar is an eagerly welcomed invitation to the happy meal of Iftar – a time when family and friends celebrate the special season of Ramadan together as one. And being the daily event of such paramount spiritual and physical significance makes it even more important to enjoy the meal and maintain a healthy balance.

But with such an elaborate spread, overindulging can lead to physical discomfort. This can, however, be easily remedied by making sure you intake small portions at a time, giving you ample opportunity to taste the sumptuous fare while ensuring that there is enough at this precious gathering to give everyone a taste of the different dishes. Remember, Iftar is a time to enjoy the presence of those around you while nourishing yourself with food lovingly prepared. Keeping a limit on what and how much you eat will ensure that your joy is complete.