Watch what you eat for #StayHome iftar

dubai — 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.

Certified health coach and fitness instructor Afroze Sultana Feroze said it is important to practise mindfulness, especially during suhoor and iftar time.

This can be achieved if “we can connect to our body and use food as a fuel to nourish it”, she said.

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

“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.”

Dr Rizwan Sayyed, GP at Prime Hospital, reminded that it is best to avoid fried food and soft drinks at this time.

“Consume high-fibre diets, whole grains, bran, vegetables, and lentils,” he added.

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

Stick to fitness routine

When it come sto fitness, Feroze said 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 refrain from 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.

The fitness coach advises cardio workouts and strength training on alternate days. “Stretches and low intensity exercises are good if you plan to do your work out before iftar,” she added.

“Those who want to do high-intensity trainings can do so after the night prayers. Try to be physically active throughout the day so you can meet your daily steps goal.”

Apart from stressing on staying hydrated,

Your Ramadan completely depends on how you plan it to be. Very often, people gain weight during Ramadan due to overeating calorie-dense food at iftar, which can lead to a lot of discomfort post-iftar.” Afroze Sultana Feroze, health coach and fitness instructor

This holy month of Ramadan offers so many advantages, such as an ideal time to lose weight and inculcate good eating habits that can prove beneficial for us throughout the year,” Dr Rizwan Sayyed, general physician, Prime Hospital

Dr Sayyed said sleep is essential for one’s well-being throughout the month.

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

“This holy month of Ramadan offers so many advantages, such as an ideal time to lose weight and inculcate good eating habits that can prove beneficial for us throughout the year,” he added.

He also said one must use this stayat-home time constructively by bonding with the family. “This can enhance your relationship, which is good for your mental health.”