10 Tips for Beginning and Breaking Fast

More than half of Ramadan has passed already and it's going by crazy fast. Every year, I have a change of diet and forget the do's and don'ts of eating in Ramadan. Yes, there are do's and don'ts. Here are my 10 tips for eating during Ramadan so you will survive the day and won't feel bloated afterwards!

1. You need fiber to make it through the day. Fiber enables your body to regulate your digestive system and makes you full! Make sure your suhoor is filled with fiber AND protein. Protein will ensure that you stay full and gives you energy. I suggest a healthy chicken burger or just a plain yogurt on the side to fulfill the protein your body needs. For fiber, anything grainy or nutty will work just fine! Whole grain bread and nuts with dried fruit are great during suhoor and not too heavy on the stomach. 
2. After you finish your suhoor make sure you drink 2 eight ounce glasses of water. You need to stay HYDRATED especially if you live in the southern states where the summer heat takes up any and all moisture from your body. You don't want to faint or pass out in the middle of working while fasting. 
3. Avoid eating fatty foods and "just carbs". These types of foods will sit heavy in your stomach and give you minimal energy. They'll just burn out in hours, if not while you're asleep! Plus, you don't want that gross heavy feeling in your stomach in the morning.
4. Include in your suhoor a couple of fruits and veggies! If you're creating a burger, like moi, put some veggies in there to complete a delicious veggie burger waiting for you in the morning! Or, you can make sure your yogurt has fruits in it. The best way to ensure fruit in your suhoor is just pick up some fresh strawberries, cherries, and mangos from your local grocery store. They'll taste so refreshing in the morning.
5. The trick to a great suhoor to last you through the day is to incorporate all of the above in a way that won't make you overstuffed. A food baby is the last thing you want in the morning because it will actually slow you down. 
6. Now for breaking your fast! Ah, sundown is coming and you're ready to devour all the food sitting in front of you. At this point, you could eat an entire chicken, cake, burger, the whole shabang. However, before you devour everything in your fridge, take another look and think it through. After you break your fast with a khajoor, drink some water! I like to drink a glass when I break my fast and I drink another during dinner. I also like to make or buy a separate drink such as iced coffee or strawberry lemonade. It's very refreshing and gives me the energy I was lacking.
7. My iftar is usually very light since I eat dinner right after I pray maghrib. During dinner, I eat the usual - rice. I also like to walk a little after iftar (it just makes me feel lighter). 
8. During iftar, make sure you eat some more fruits! Natural foods will nourish your body since it has just cleansed itself. Feed your body healthy foods so that your body will take in all the good nutrients and reenergize you. 
9. If you're going to go to taraweeh, make sure your bring a bottle of water. Sometimes, it gets quite lengthy and you just feel the thirst. It's always good to bring a bottle to drink some water before and after. You don't want to collapse during taraweeh!
10. Always always always thank Allah for the food He has given you. You made it to another Ramadan and who knows? It could be your last. So enjoy it and eat well! Be thankful for what you have and make dua for what you want! Inshallah, you all will have a great rest of Ramadan and Ramadan Mubarak! 

~Misbah