Ways to Stay Healthy After Ramadan

The holy month of Ramadan provides us the opportunity to eliminate unhealthy eating patterns and gives our overburdened digestive systems a much-needed break. During this sacred month, the rituals of fasting, night prayer and reading the Holy Quran on a daily basis can have a life-changing effect on our health and satisfaction. Fasting during Ramadan should improve our health, only if we are following the correct diet.

Now the blessed month Ramadan is about to end to make sure you make the most out of the healthy eating habits and maintaining the incredible health benefits acquired during Ramadan, below are some ways that we can follow on how to stay healthy even after Ramadan:

1. Fast Twice a Week: Try fasting two days a week after Ramadan. Scientific research has shown that intermittent fasting is beneficial for the body and mind. Fasting has also been shown to result in physical and mental benefits, such as improved memory, sleep, concentration and increased energy. Occasional fasting has also shown to accelerate the activity and growth of nerve cells and many other benefits. Try to fast on Monday and Thursday after Ramadan that is twice a week which is also the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
2. Eat Dry Fruits or Dates before a Meal: Did you know that eating dry fruits like dates can help to start the digestion process and moderate how much we eat during a meal? So try to eat dates before a meal it will help to moderate your digestion process. Dates are delicious replace them with other varieties of fresh fruits for more vitamins and minerals.
3. Have 2-3 Meals a Day: Make a habit of eating 2-3 regular meals a day just like Ramadan, rather than 6 small ones. The sensation of hunger between meals, contrary to popular belief, can be of great benefit to our physical health.
4. Follow the 80/20 Rule: Practice the 80/20 rule and eat only until you are 80% full. A good way to do this is to eat slowly, so you are aware of your completeness level while eating. During Ramadan fasting allowed us to consciously recognize our body’s hunger. Therefore, avoid returning to mindless eating habits and most importantly beware of consuming an excessive intake of food after Ramadan. Maintain small and healthy meals to regain a healthy eating pattern and favorable effects of fasting.
5. Drink Plenty of Water: For weeks we tried to stay hydrated through long, hot days of fasting. Having several cups of water during suhoor and iftar never felt like enough try to use other kinds of liquids such as juices, milkshakes etc. in favor of a cold glass of water. Water not only prevents dehydration; it also helps keep skin clear, aids in digestion, and is generally the healthiest liquid we can drain. Now that you can have it all day, take advantage and drink as much as you can in your day.

It’s always hard to say goodbye to Ramadan, but reflecting on some of the good and bad habits that we adopted can help us to lead better and healthier lives even after this holy month. One of the most important things is to treat your body well. Make your health a priority; treat it as a blessing and you will begin to see amazing benefits.