Adopt healthy eating habits before Ramadan

Abu Dhabi: Residents across the UAE are being urged to adopt healthy eating habits ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, which is set to begin next month.

Those with chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension should also visit their doctors to adjust medication doses and schedules before they begin fasting, doctors said.

“We would recommend that people get into healthy routines, and stock their homes with nutritious foods. They can even fast a couple of days before Ramadan as a trial run,” Dr Ravi Arora, diabetologist at NMC Specialty Hospital in Abu Dhabi, told Gulf News.

“Now would also be a good time to adopt a practice of drinking water at regular intervals, rather than drinking all the water at once. This way, the body can stay hydrated, and people will find it easier to keep doing the same once they end their fasts,” he said.

Ramadan is expected to being in the UAE on June 28 or 29, which means that UAE residents will be fasting in the peak of summer. Temperatures can soar to more than 40 degrees Celsius, and this is why eating correctly is especially important.

“Ideally, Ramadan should not be different from the rest of the year. But if you are looking to positively change your lifestyle, this is the perfect time to start avoiding sugary foods, colas and fried items,” said Bathool Nisar, manager of dietetics at Mafraq Hospital.

She advised that people prioritise the mid-morning meal, which is essential for maintaining energy levels and hydration.

According to Dr Arora, people must also begin limiting caffeine intake, including beverages like tea, coffee, colas and caffeinated drinks.

“When fasting, you have tea and coffee after iftar, but they are a no-no during the mid-morning meal. Otherwise, the body loses water quickly, and this can cause dehydration as the day progresses,” he said.

Instead, it is best to incorporate fruits, vegetables, complex carbohydrates, grilled meat, low fat dairy and dairy products into one’s diet.

“Not only do fruits provide water, they also offer fibre that keeps people satiated for longer and regulates bowel movement,” Dr Arora added.

For those who hope to continue working out on a daily basis, the doctor said the best time is to get some moderate activity after the nightly Tarawih prayer in Ramadan.

“Most importantly, it is important that people stay away from treating the month as one of feasting. The purpose of Ramadan is to enhance one’s spirituality. And the better we eat, the more we can focus on acts of worship. On the other hand, overeating can make one lethargic and sick,” Nisar explained.