It’s the month of Ramadan people!!! I love Ramadan season and to be frank, i really can’t wait for my Sallah meat from my lovely neighbors and friends alike (Make una take note o). Today i’d be giving you meal ideas that would take you through this fasting period.
I remember way back in secondary school when my friends and colleagues had to observe the fast. Muslims awoke as early as 3am before sunrise to observe the pre-fast meal called the suhoor. They made sure they ate properly very early in the morning to give them energy throughout the day. Meals served during this period are usually the types that are easy to digest while providing energy during the fasting hours i.e Foods rich in Carbohydrate for energy, foods rich in healthy fat for energy, foods rich in protein for bodybuilding as well as energy when carbohydrate and lipid resources are not available. At sunset, the fast-breaking meal known as iftar is served. This starts with Fruits, then a robust main course meal, more like a combination of lunch and dinner. Upon eating the fruits, there is a break for prayer, and after the prayer comes the Starter, then the main course and if the belly permits, Dessert. Traditionally, the fast is broken with some dates and a strict diet of raw vegetables, fruits, fruit juices and water. This allows time for the digestive system to prepare itself for the iftar. The first foods that you consume upon breaking a fast are critical to nourish the body, and should not be something that is difficult to digest and be absorbed in the body. Raw fruit juices and fruits such as Watermelon, pawpaw, banana, grapes, cucumber, and apples contain much water content and are easily digested and assimilated in the body as well as provide nutrients and energy that the body needs. Minimize your intake of citrus fruits such as orange, grapefruit, tangerine at first since they may feel too acidic once it gets into your stomach. To re-hydrate your body, drink a glass of clean water. Once again, please note that your first meal after any fast should not be a heavy full meal else it’d lead to constipation. The internal digestive system will not move that solid food eaten until it starts functioning again.
I remember way back in secondary school when my friends and colleagues had to observe the fast. Muslims awoke as early as 3am before sunrise to observe the pre-fast meal called the suhoor. They made sure they ate properly very early in the morning to give them energy throughout the day. Meals served during this period are usually the types that are easy to digest while providing energy during the fasting hours i.e Foods rich in Carbohydrate for energy, foods rich in healthy fat for energy, foods rich in protein for bodybuilding as well as energy when carbohydrate and lipid resources are not available. At sunset, the fast-breaking meal known as iftar is served. This starts with Fruits, then a robust main course meal, more like a combination of lunch and dinner. Upon eating the fruits, there is a break for prayer, and after the prayer comes the Starter, then the main course and if the belly permits, Dessert. Traditionally, the fast is broken with some dates and a strict diet of raw vegetables, fruits, fruit juices and water. This allows time for the digestive system to prepare itself for the iftar. The first foods that you consume upon breaking a fast are critical to nourish the body, and should not be something that is difficult to digest and be absorbed in the body. Raw fruit juices and fruits such as Watermelon, pawpaw, banana, grapes, cucumber, and apples contain much water content and are easily digested and assimilated in the body as well as provide nutrients and energy that the body needs. Minimize your intake of citrus fruits such as orange, grapefruit, tangerine at first since they may feel too acidic once it gets into your stomach. To re-hydrate your body, drink a glass of clean water. Once again, please note that your first meal after any fast should not be a heavy full meal else it’d lead to constipation. The internal digestive system will not move that solid food eaten until it starts functioning again.
Happy Ramadan Kareem to all our Muslim brothers and sisters. Have a blessed Ramadan and may God accept your Prayers.
What do you usually have for suhoor & Iftar. Send in clear pictures of your meals to dobbyssignature@gmail.com with your names. This would be showcased on the blog.
