Watch what you eat during #StayHome Ramadan

This year's Ramadan may be different from the usual - with mosques closed and restrictions on public gatherings - but, still, the same healthy practises should apply throughout the holy month, experts have said.

Emphasising on mindfulness, especially during suhoor and iftar time, certified health coach and fitness instructor Afroze Sultana Feroze, said this would come if "we can connect to our body and use food as a fuel to nourish it".

"Your Ramadan completely depends on how you plan it to be. Very often, people gain weight during Ramadan due to over eating calorie-dense food at iftar, which can lead to a lot of discomfort like gastric issues and lethargy post iftaar.

"Considering the time for eating is reduced, it's the best way to focus and be mindful of what we consume during iftar and suhoor."

Stick to fitness routine

Feroze added that having clear fitness goals during Ramadan will help one to stick to the plan.

"The best goal this month would be to stay active, maintain the fitness level and not looking at bulking up as that will be practically difficult.

"You can work out just before iftar or after finishing night prayer," she said, adding that people should give their bodies some time to adopt to the fasting schedule.

Sleep, stay hydrated

Apart from stressing on staying hydrated, Dr Rizwan Sayyed, GP at Prime Hospital, said sleep plays an important role in one's well-being throughout the day.

One must try to sleep early so he or she can wake up fresh in suhoor.

"There are so many advantages this holy month offers such as an ideal time to lose weight and inculcate good eating habits that can prove beneficial for us throughout the year," he added.

Try to avoid fried food and soft drinks, and consume high-fibre diets, whole grains, bran, vegetables, lentils, the doctor said.

"Also avoid caffeine as it is diuretic which leads to loss of water from the body."

He also added one must use this stay-at-home time constructively by bonding with family, adding that helping your spouse/ family with household chores/ iftars or suhoors can enhance your relationship, which is good for one's mental health.

HEALTH EXPERTS' TIPS

>Be mindful of what you eat during iftar and suhoor

>Avoid fried food, soft drinks and caffeine

>Consumer a high-fibre diet

>Stay hydrated

>Stay active and exercise regularly

>Get enough sleep

saman@khaleejtimes.com