There’s nothing more beautiful than the feeling of being a part of something bigger than ourselves, and that feeling comes when almost 1.7 Billion people around the world are uniting to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan.
And with Ramadan right around the corner, preparations are in order! Because who wants to have a panic attack when the guests are coming over for Iftar and the food is not ready yet? Not to mention the fact that all of us are also going nuts with questions like “How can I survive without my daily dose of peanuts?”, “How am I going to work without eating my pack of pistachios?”, or even “how to live with no coffee?”.
Worry no more, we come baring good news. All you have to do is follow those 5 simple steps that will help you overcome those difficulties and make your fasting period a much easier and stress-free one!
Step 1: Practice makes perfect
If you have a long working schedule ahead of you, the only way to get through Ramadan is to plan ahead the number of sleep hours you’re going to get, how long your naps are going to be, and more importantly, when you’re going to eat (between Iftar and suhoor). Your body will not get adjusted to this new routine overnight. So get a head start and practice a couple of days before so that when the time comes, you’re fully prepared and fully energised!
Step 2: Organize your work schedule
Knowing that your energy levels will decrease throughout the day, focus on the most important tasks in the early mornings especially if they require creativity and focus. When you’re too tired to think and work at your best, it’s time to move on to the less demanding tasks of the day.
Step 3: Freeze, freeze and freeze
Meal planning can save you a lot of hassle, especially during the first week. And who wants to go grocery shopping when they’re hungry?
The best way to avoid temptations is to make a plan of what you’re going to cook for each day and get the ingredients beforehand. You can chop all your vegetables and store them in airtight containers, store your onions and garlic in the freezer to have them ready when needed, or even cook the entire meal and freeze it all! No rushing around, and no extra time spent in the kitchen.
Step 4: Stay hydrated
We know coffee is your survival juice, but you’re going to have to pass on it this month as it dehydrates your body. Instead, opt for coconut water: it’s low in calories, high in nutrients and the perfect beverage to rehydrate your body after long fasting hours.
You can also add fruits and vegetables to your meals that have a high water content such as watermelon, grapefruit, pineapple, peaches, strawberries, and blueberries. Vegetables include cucumber, iceberg, tomatoes, broccoli, and spinach.
Also, don’t forget to catch up on the eight glasses of water a day rule after Iftar.
Step 5: Don’t skip Suhoor
Suhoor is the most important meal of the day because it’s the last meal you’re going to have. Try to add protein and carbs in your Suhoor meal, as you’ll need a lot of them to sustain you throughout the day.
You know what they say, it’s not easy, but it’s definitely worth it. Ramadan Moubarak everyone!
