I always try to include a Ramadan message for readers at this time of year. Ramadan is a special time for Muslims, when the community and family play a vital, central role.
It is a time when everyone is eating at the same time and getting together.
Throughout the holy month of Ramadan Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from the hours of sunrise to sunset. Once the sun sets the fasting ends with traditional meals which stretch through the night. The daily breakings of the fasts are memorable family meals. The fast is traditionally broken with family favorites such as dates, water hydrating sweet juices such as Jallab, or a soup.
When a person fasts the digestive system gets the chance to rest and the body has to use its reserves of fat already present in the body for energy. It is also a time when you realize that you can do without eating for long periods and it teaches you to appreciate food again when you break the fast.
Taking Good Care of Yourself
1. Keep up good eating habits by eating proper meals with fruit and vegetables.
2. Do not eat too quickly when breaking your fast. Start gently with dates or figs and a glass of water or simple soup.
3. Be sure to drink at least 10 glasses of water during the times when you can drink, and lots of fresh fruit juices. You must try to drink enough water between Iftar and sleep to avoid dehydration and headaches.
4. Avoid drinking colas, coffee and tea as they can keep you awake at night, and they also have a diuretic effect on the body.
5. It is important for the circulation to maintain some kind of exercise. Get into the habit of taking an evening stroll after Iftar along the beach or in the park or just to get some fresh air. You will feel so much brighter and will sleep well.
6. Suhur: It is highly recommend eating this pre-dawn meal before your day of fasting. While you may want to pass on it to catch some more sleep, remember that you can always take a sleep in the afternoon while you’re fasting, but you won’t be able to eat or drink. To make it easier, prepare food before going to bed so you can eat quickly and go back to sleep.
Wishing you all good health.
Ramadan Mubarak!
Recipe of the Week
Farfalle Pasta with Broccoli and Ricotta
Serves 6
Ingredients
1 pound farfalle pasta
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
4 cups broccoli florets
freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 cup part skim ricotta cheese
Method
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the pasta in it and cook for 12 to 14 minutes, until al dente. Meanwhile heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Add the broccoli florets, salt, pepper and nutmeg and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the broccoli begins to get tender. Remove from heat and place the broccoli mixture in a large bowl with the ricotta cheese. Drain the pasta and immediately toss it with the broccoli and ricotta.
Ask Alva
I have been taking a slimming supplement and I am happy with the way that my weight is reducing. My problem is that during Ramadan I only eat two meals a day and I worry that this will upset the daily dosage of tablets to be taken after meals. I intend to be sensible about the way that I eat during Ramadan but I want to try to continue to lose weight and don’t want to give up my weight loss programme. Please guide me. Maha
Many people have written to me on this subject, and about how they should plan their meals during the Holy Month. I hope that my opening article will provide guidance for those who are fasting. As for taking a slimming supplement, the best solution is to reduce to taking the tablets just two times a day after your meals. It is never a good idea to take medication on an empty stomach. Alva
For all your weight concerns and questions e-mail Alva Carpenter at:
Selected letters will be replied to in this column.
