The reason why people fail in fasting is because of the wrong way they break their fast. After diligently observing fast for almost a day they succumb to the hunger pangs and end up gobbling up too much food.
The Muslim community observes fast in the month of Ramzan and apart from the spiritual aspects many vouch for the health benefits.
"There is no need to eat too much food at Iftar (the food taken immediately after sunset), dinner or sahur (the light meal before dawn)," says Riyaz Ahmed, managing director of a hotel chain.
"When you fast your body is feeding from stored food. While fasting you can communicate with your body and it will object to something that you put into it," he says. A diet that is less than the normal intake but balanced is enough to keep a person healthy and active.
"Break the fast with dates as they are highly nutritious and easily digestible," says Riyaz. This can be followed by juices. This is enough to bring low blood glucose levels to normal levels.
Soft meals like cutlets, banana fry, samosas and 'bajis' can be taken before digging into the main course like 'appam' and 'idiyappam' accompanied by meat stew or even biryani. "The main course should be consumed only after a short break of at least half an hour after having the soft meal," says Riyaz. This will not only help maintain water and mineral balance of the body but speeds up digestion.
And for sahur it can be anything from chappati to curry or rice. Again one should not tax their stomach with a heavy meal before dawn. Giving a stress to the spiritual aspect of fasting, Riyaz says, "Breaking the fast should not be a celebration. It should be a solemn occasion."
So happy and healthy fasting!
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