Ramadan Mubarak! For those observing Ramadan, maintaining a balanced diet and staying healthy can be a challenge, particularly when it comes to managing nutrition and exercise. To shed light on this topic, we sat down with Azba, one of our trainers who is celebrating Ramadan and fasting this year. We discussed her personal experiences and gathered valuable advice on how to eat healthily during this sacred month.
Managing Nutrition during Ramadan
We started our conversation by asking Azba about her personal experience with managing nutrition during Ramadan. She emphasized the importance of variety in Suhoor meals, recommending a combination of fiber, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and liquids for hydration. Azba shared her personal Suhoor meal, “My Suhoor meal consists of nuts, figs, dates, oats, black tea, whole grain bread with peanut butter, a seasonal fruit, and plenty of water.” Azba also stressed the importance of planning meals and waking up earlier to enjoy a pre-fast meal and hydrate adequately.
What are some specific foods or food combinations you recommend that can help you stay satiated and energized throughout the fasting day?
- Oats in any form + nuts (Walnuts/Almonds)+ Fruit
- Lightly seasoned rice + Whole grain bread with peanut butter (2 Slices)+ Dates (2-3)
- Boiled eggs (2 halves)+ Oats+ Nuts+Fruit
And she highlighted water as a crucial component for hydration.
In your experience, are there any foods you should avoid during Suhoor or Iftar because they may lead to energy crashes or feelings of lethargy?
Azba advised, “There are no specific foods one should avoid, but be mindful of preparation methods and portion sizes of overly fatty or processed foods.” She explained that such foods can cause blood sugar spikes followed by crashes, leading to feelings of lethargy.
Do you have any tips for ensuring you’re consuming enough water during the non-fasting hours of Ramadan?
To ensure adequate water intake during non-fasting hours, Azba recommended setting hydration goals, so you know how much water you’re consuming. She also recommends sipping on water rather than drinking large amounts in one sitting and avoiding sugary drinks because it can increase dehydration. Always opt for water!
Are you able to work out during Ramadan? And if so, how should you adjust your workouts during that time?
You can maintain an exercise routine during Ramadan, though adjustments may be necessary. While structured workouts might need to be toned down in intensity, staying active is still achievable. She recommended opting for lower-intensity exercises or activities such as walking instead. Azba also suggested timing workouts strategically, either after Suhoor when energy levels are boosted by food intake or right before Iftar to allow for replenishment afterward. She also reccomends to
"Choose a day to workout when work/life is less demanding, it will help you to feel more confident in your ability to keep up with the workouts."
Listen to Your Body
Azba underscores the importance of listening to one’s body during Ramadan.
“There are no doubts some moments of feeling restless or lethargic during fasting,” she acknowledges.
“Pausing and taking a few minutes to reflect can help,” Azba advises. She reccomend prioritizing quality sleep, “Having good and consistent sleeping in and waking up times helps our bodies to recover from he demands of fasting/digesting.” If you decide not to workout, “Aim on keeping yourself active even if you are not going to the gym, movement outdoors or spending time connecting with nature is great for a boost of serotonine.”
We hope Azba’s insights provide valuable guidance for maintaining a healthy lifestyle during Ramadan. If you have more questions about building a fitness routine or managing your nutrition during Ramadan, send us a message. We’d be happy to help!