The holy month of Ramadan is about to come within just a few days. In the month of Ramadan Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. Are you really ready for Ramadan? As Ramadan comes after a long 11 months and you need to continue fasting constantly for 30 days, it is surely important to prepare your body for fasting at first. If you are still confused about how to make your body ready for Ramadan fasting, just continue scrolling to get your probable solution.
Why is it necessary to Prepare Your Body for Fasting?
Fasting is an essential religious practice in many religions. It affirms the purifying of one’s body and mind. Many also use it as a means of weight loss although there is no available evidence showing its effectiveness. However, if you don’t carry it out the correct and safe way, it can be deleterious to your health. So, to avoid any negative side effects, you should plan for your fast in advance.
Besides, you need to make sure you modify your daily habits and make changes to your diet ahead of time. Most probably, these preparations will make the fast a safer and more pleasant experience for you.
10 Fruitful Ways to Prepare Your Body for Ramadan Fasting
Surely the upcoming holy month of Ramadan may be difficult for some people. It requires us to be well-prepared and ready to refrain from food and drink consumption during the daytime. Every day we need to fast for about 15 hours which demands us to be strong not only physically but mentally also. However, to be strong and stout enough you must prepare yourself to adapt yourself to all the challenges that come along with fasting during Ramadan.
Along with focusing on the quantity of food intake, you also have to focus on what you eat, how you eat, and how you sleep. These 10 fruitful top tips will help you get through Ramadan before you know it:
Food consumption
As Ramadan is approaching, you need to be habituated to taking moderate quantities of food. So, do not spend lavishly on food. If you don’t take control of yourself regarding food, you cannot control yourself during Ramadan also. Besides, taking more food before Ramadan will increase your appetite and make it more difficult to fast.
Reduce salt and sugar intake
It is fundamental to reduce your salt and sugar intake regularly before Ramadan. For this, first, identify the foods that contain high levels of salt and sugar that you regularly eat.
It won’t be possible to reduce a lot at first but try to decrease by 1 tablespoon of salt and sugar every day. If you decrease in this way, your body may not notice the decrease, and this is the only way you will get used to it.
Thus, you will be able to minimize your longing for food and drinks that are high in salt and sugar which would be beneficial for you during Ramadan and the course of your life as well.
Eat healthy foods before fasting
When you are near the date of fasting, try to skip processed foods. Instead of taking processed foods, you need to take whole foods and make sure you avoid sugary foods. If you eat foods high in sugar, it can cause your blood sugar to hit and will increase your appetite. So, you can take fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods will assist you to keep your appetite stable and make it easier for you to begin your fast.
Drink enough water
Remember you need to drink plenty of water before you begin your fast. Taking enough water is necessary to maintain your health, and it can also help restrain your appetite as well. Research has shown that a man should drink about 13 cups or 3 liters and a woman should drink 9 cups or 2.2 liters a day. Drinking enough water also helps you suppress your cravings and ease into your fast.
Early breakfast
As you have to wake up early for Suhoor to take the pre-dawn meal during Ramadan, it would be better for you if you habituate it earlier. So, if you start taking an early breakfast now, it will help your body get used to the earlier hours.
Stop snacking
It is very important to stop your snacking habit before you are going to start fasting for a long time like during the month of Ramadan. Just take 3 meals a day; breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This habit before starting fasting will discipline your stomach to accept food consumption at fixed mealtimes. Remember, during Ramadan, you can only have your main meals two times a day; during Suhoor and Iftar.
Lower your caffeine intake
Make sure you reduce your caffeine intake before Ramadan. Caffeine is habit-forming and if you cannot decrease your caffeine input before Ramadan, you won’t be able to prevent your body from experiencing acute caffeine withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms are dangerous that can cause irritability, anger, impatience, restlessness, and concentration problems. They will ultimately affect your daily tasks and wellbeing.
Reduce smoking
Like caffeine intake, smoking is also habit-forming and it is not easy to give up easily. If you give it up suddenly, you can experience various withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anger, restlessness, impatience, and difficulty concentrating during fasting hours. So, make sure you minimize this fatal habit before Ramadan.
Regulate sleep
Follow your own stepping pattern that you are used to and try to do it constantly. It is necessary for every person to take at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep each night to become healthy. Required hours of sleeping help to equip with enough energy for the day and decrease the risk of chronic problems like heart disease and stroke.
Refer to your doctor
It is wise to consult with your doctor about whether you are good to go for fasting. You need to do so and follow your doctor’s instructions of course if you have health concerns like diabetes, gastric complications, high blood pressure.
Source: United News of Bangladesh