TIPS FOR RAMADAN – MUSKA JAHAN
Asalamualaikum everyone 😀 and Ramadan Kareem!!!!
I really want this year’s Ramadan to count for me so I’m going to do my best to be more involved Inshallah.
Let the hunger games begin!!!!
Before I get into tips, I just want to share some thoughts I had the other day about this holy month.
RAMADAN MAKES YOU REALIZE YOUR POWER
1. THE POWER OF THE HUMAN BODY
Even though you are starving, your body still functions.
2. THE POWER OF YOUR POSITION
You learn how well off you are in life because you have been given the luxury of easy access to food.
3. THE POWER OF YOUR MIND
Being hungry can make you miserable and irritable, so you have to be mindful of your actions throughout the month. This helps you realize that you have power of your actions and mindset.
HERE ARE SOME FASTING TIPS FOR RAMADAN:
1. TELL YOUR COWORKERS, FAMILIES, & FRIENDS
This definitely applies if you live in a non-Muslim country and/or are a revert. Some people are not aware that Ramadan is taking place so giving everyone a heads up will be beneficial. If you ever start to feel dizziness or dehydrated, the people you surround yourself with will know what is going on and be able to help you. In addition, letting everyone know that you are fasting will be a great way to spark some curiosity and inform others about Islam.
2. START EATING LESS A FEW DAYS BEFORE TO PREPARE
I made a horrible mistake last year by having a YOLO day right before Ramadan. In my mind, I was thinking “OMG I need to stuff my face because I will be starving tomorrow!”
….bad decision on my part….
Do yourself a favor and start eating a little bit less around a week before Ramadan. This way, your stomach will shrink and the hunger will not be as painful.
3. DRINK WATER
Hydration is key during Ramadan. If you are not a water drinker, you must become one!!! In all seriousness, if you don’t get some H20 in your system when you get the chance it can lead to dehydration. Where I live, it gets really hot in the summertime so I make sure to have a few glasses during every Iftar and Sehri.
4. AVOID CAFFEINE
This transitions well from the previous tip because it concerns dehydration, which is a very possible thing when you fast almost 16 hours a day. Caffeine is a diuretic so the precious water that your body needs to function throughout the day will be gone. If you are an avid tea, soda, or coffee drinker, try going for decaf options or avoid them altogether.
5. EAT HEALTHY, BALANCED MEALS
Make sure to incorporate enough carbs, proteins, and fats into your meals. If you follow this tip, especially during Sehri, your body will feel fuller for a longer period of time.
6. AVOID FRIED AND OILY FOODS
Although I love to eat this food category, I make sure to avoid it like the plague during Ramadan. There’s a high chance you will feel gassy and uncomfortable afterwards because it will take a toll on your stomach. Make sure to opt for fruits, veggies, and complex carbohydrates!
7. EAT SLOWLY, AND DON’T EAT TOO MUCH
The anticipation of breaking the fast causes us to eat with our eyes and not listen to our bodies. Remember that Ramadan isn’t about binge eating 😀 haha it is meant to help us have better self control. Eat until you are full, but don’t go beyond that. You will be surprised to know that you need less
Here is what I personally like to do during mealtime:
– Drink two glasses of water
– Eat 3-5 dates
I LOVE eating dates. Not only is it Sunnah, this amazing fruit is so healthy for you Alhamdulilah and will be a great way to introduce food back into your system. Just think, after Maryam alaihisalam gave birth to Hazrat Isa, Allah SWT grew a date tree to help her gather her strength. Did I mention I love dates? 😀 😀 😀 😀
8. IF YOU ARE SUPER HUNGRY, HAVE SMELLS
I don’t know if this counts as an actual tip but I like to smell things when I am hungry….because it helps. I just bought a few natural soaps and they have this divine lavender scent that I am obsessed with. I plan on keeping these on my desk just in case hangry Muska starts to think about taking a few nibbles LOL.