With the Holy Month of Ramadan reaching it’s half way point, it’s a good time to reflect on we’ve been feeling over the last couple weeks and to set some intentions for the remaining period. Fasting not just a spiritual detox but also a cleanse of the body and emotions. With modern-day lifestyles we can often find ourselves out of balance and Ramadan is the perfect opportunity for a reset!
Common detox symptoms can include anything from mood swings, hunger pangs, intense cravings, fatigue and brain fog. This is the body’s way of telling us that it is cleansing, repairing and regenerating. Scientifically fasting for 30 consecutive days has the below proven benefits:
- Boost cognitive performance.
- Protect from obesity and associated chronic diseases.
- Reduce inflammation.
- Improve overall fitness.
- Support weight loss.
- Decrease the risk of metabolic diseases.
There are ways in which we can support ourselves through the month of Ramadan to keep a beautiful balance for our mind, body and spirit. Keeping our eating habits healthy, our glucose levels stable and not overeating all contribute to a calmer state. Here we’ve listed our top tips and tricks!
Breaking The Fast
Hydration is key when breaking the fast. Starting off with a large glass of warm water (ideally 500ml), adding a squeeze of fresh lemon/lime for additional hydration and a pinch of Himalayan Salt for a mini dose of minerals. Taking your time to sip your drink to allow your stomach to begin its functioning.
Prayer & Meditation
The period of prayer and meditation right after breaking the fast is a great time to allow the digestion system to wake up to get ready for the meal ahead. There’s no rush! Take your time, allow your body and mind the time to reflect on the fasting day past and how you felt throughout the day. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect to yourself.
Eating Iftar
When it comes to eating your first meal after a long day of fasting it’s always beneficial to start small and slow. Its proven that consuming a liquid dish first allows the body to accommodate the intake of foods for the night ahead without being overloaded. This could look like a bowl of broth (Vegetable or bone broth), green juice or protein shake, all which are full of nutrients. After which if you still feel hungry you can go straight for the main dishes keeping in mind not to overeat. The night is young and there is plenty of time to have your main meal slightly later! If you do choose to eat a big meal straight away, it’s always good to start off with veggies/salads first to keep those glucose levels in check. (Fried and sugary foods are best avoided)
The Rest Of The Night & Suhoor
Eating every so often throughout the night can impact our digestive systems and the body’s ability to keep balanced in it’s regeneration process. Try to keep a generous gap between your Iftar and Suhoor meals to give the body the opportunity to rest and digest. This will allow for better absorption of nutrients, keep your bowels moving effectively and healthier sleep patterns. Focus on hydrating! Often we feel hungry when in actual fact we are thirsty! For Suhoor try to have your meal at least 2hrs before going back to sleep, keeping the meal light and easy digestible but also energy balancing for the day ahead.
Exercise
Keeping active during Ramadan is a great way to balance the mind and body. Gentle exercises such as Pilates, Yoga and Walking are great for keeping the body active without over straining.
Supplements
Supplement are a great way to support the body through the fasting month. Taking them at night with your meal is the best way to ensure optimal absorption and also not irritate your gut lining. Some of our top picks to keep the body and mind balanced as well as support you looking and feeling amazing can be found here.
