"Fasting also improves blood cholesterol profile, reduces gastric acidity, and prevents constipation and other digestive problems.”
"Benefits of fasting appear only in those who maintain their diet, avoiding the high calorie and highly processed foods prepared during this time," -- Saijitha Sunil, Nutritionist/Dietician, Emirates Diagnostic Clinic (Zain, 2006)
Here are some very basic rules to follow that will ensure proper diet and nutrition during Ramadan:
1) Never allow your total daily caloric intake to drop below 1,200 calories
2) Prepare your own meals
3) Eat most of your vegetables cooked
4) Eat your fruits fresh (an hour before or after your meal)
5) Drink whole/raw milk daily
6) Drink a minimum of 64-96 ounces of water daily
7) Eat bean soup everyday
8) Eat whole wheat bread
9) Avoid desserts
10) Avoid fried foods
11) Avoid processed foods
12) Limit caffeine intake
13) Do not smoke
14) Do not consume alcohol
15) Take no drugs other than what is prescribed and necessary
16) Eat at the same time everyday
(*Taken from chapter 5 in Making the Fast: How to Eat to Live During Ramadan available in paperback, Kindle, and Nook)
Be good to yourself! More next time...