How to have a healthy and fit Ramadan

Here are few health tips to help - those fasting - stay healthy during the holy month.

A special month is about to arrive. Gates of Paradise are about to open. Yes the holy month of Ramadan is approaching us yet again with all its blessings and bounties.

This ninth month of Islamic calender is observed throughout the world as the month of fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam. The month also commemorates the revelation of the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Muslims thus spend the entire month reading and understanding the Holy Quran.

While Muslims all over the world gear up for yet again long summer fasts, we at Khaleej Times will give you regular upbeat on Ramadan in the UAE.

Health tips:

- Plan your schedule and meals ahead of time in order to make sure you get the nutrients, hydration, and rest that you need.

- Have suhoor just prior to dawn. The suhoor meal is Sunnah. And this morning meal is generally recognised as the single most important meal of the day. Do not overeat, though.

- Focus on taking in foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates and protein, fruits or vegetables, and plenty of water. For example: an egg on whole-grain toast, a few crackers with peanut butter, some orange slices, and two glasses of water.

- Stay in cool areas (indoors or in shade) and limit your physical activity. Rest if possible.

- Avoid gorging yourself when opening the fast at sunset. Follow the Sunnah: break your fast with dates and either milk, water, or fruit juice. After the Maghrib prayer, continue with a light starter such as soup and crackers.

- Sip on water throughout the evening. Aim for 8 glasses by bedtime. To help you keep track, fill and refill a water bottle with a measured amount of water, and be sure to finish it.

- Light exercise, such as walking for 15-20 minutes, is best done in the evening hours.

Ramadan Kareem to all KT readers.

• UAE
• Ramadan Health