Some Basic Rules for Proper Nutrition During Ramadan

"The globally recogni(z)ed golden rule of dietary guidelines is that one should eat a variety of food using principles of moderation and balance. Usually, most health problems at this time are likely to arise from inappropriate diet or as a consequence of over-eating and insufficient sleep."

"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)

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Ramadan Is Just Around the Corner~Are You Prepared?

Ramadan will begin on or around July 20, 2012. The key to a successful fast is preparation: mentally, physically, and spiritually. Making the Fast: How to Eat to Live During Ramadan is a guide that will help you meet your dietary, hydration, and physical needs during the Holy Month.

In Making the Fast, readers will learn the following:

1)  Why We Fast During Ramadan

2)  How to Eat to Live

3)  Why to Get a Physical First

4)  Preparation for the Fast

5)  Diet and Nutrition

6)  How and Why to Manage Hydration

7)  Exercise and Weight Management during Ramadan

8)  Getting Proper Rest

9)  Side Effects of Fasting

10) Making Your Ramadan Plan

Get your copy today! Making the Fast: How to Eat to Live During Ramadan is available in paperback and as an ebook on the publisher's website,  Amazon Kindle, and Barnes and Noble NOOK.

Elite Athletes Train and Compete During Ramadan

For a thirty-day period every year, Muslims around the globe observe the holy month of Ramadan. During this period, we abstain from eating and drinking during the daylight hours, keep up prayer, avoid unclean behaviors, and engage in random acts of kindness. For athletes, maintaining their training and competition schedules can be challenging, but not impossible. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton recently hosted an Eid Al-Fitr dinner. Her guests were Muslim professional athletes who observed this year's fast during Ramadan. Watch some video footage here:



For tips on how to fast successfully while maintaining an active lifestyle, pick up your copy of Making the Fast: How to Eat to Live During Ramadan today!

Making the Fast is also available on Amazon.com and as an eBook on Amazon Kindle and (Barnes and Noble) Nook.

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Managing the Side Effects of Fasting

As-Salaam Alaikum! Ramadan Mubarak!

For many who are fasting and praying this month, a daily routine has been established and are enjoying the benefits of Ramadan on every level. However, some of us may be struggling for balance. We may have trouble staying hydrated in this heat. Our bodies are detoxifying and we may be experiencing a myriad of symptoms. The following excerpt from Making the Fast: How to Eat to Live During Ramadan addresses some remedies for common ailments that may arise during any fast:

"Fasting may present some side effects. Those who take the fast have reported headaches, dizziness, acne, flu-like symptoms, and fatigue. These symptoms are often attributed to detoxification. Toxins are stored in body fat. If fat is used for fuel during the day, these toxins are released into the bloodstream. Without fluid consumption, these toxins are slower to exit the body thus causing discomfort. Other health risks include: heartburn, poor control of diabetes, dehydration, constipation, stress and weight control. In this chapter, we will cover ways to alleviate these symptoms. Remember, listen to your body and follow your doctor’s orders. It is better to make up a like number of days rather (than) risk your health.

"Upon rising in the morning, squeeze the juice of a lemon into your water. The vitamin C will give your immune system a boost and help fight off disease. The acid from the lemon will reduce intestinal parasites which can cause some gastrointestinal distress. Be sure to ingest up to half of your required fluid intake for the day before sunrise. Hydration, proper diet, and adequate rest will help keep headaches at bay. Persistent flu-like symptoms, headaches, and dizziness should be reported to your physician. Additional rest may be needed during the day. The key is to listen to your body and give it what it needs. A little pampering goes a long way."

To read more about how to successfully manage the side effects of fasting, pick up Making the Fast: How to Eat to Live During Ramadan today! http://www.lulu.com/product/16509709

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