Fasting for Ramadan? Here’s what you should eat and avoid

The month of Ramadan is here. It is the time to practise self-control and remember the teachings of the Quran, which was believed to have been revealed to the prophet Muhammad during this month. Ramadan is the holiest of months and the most important festival celebrated by the Muslim community around the world. One of the key practices — besides good spirits and cultural bonhomie — is to fast. Throughout the month, people fast and have pre-fast meals before sunrise, called 'sehri', and post-fast meals at sunset, called 'iftar'. It is prescribed in the holy book of Quran for healthy people who are believers. So, if you, too, are looking to fast this year, here is how you can do it in a healthy manner. Know what your sehri and iftar diet should look like by scrolling down. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)

Foods to eat during sehri: Your pre-fast meal must be wholesome, because it is all that you are going to be staying on for the entire duration of the day. As such, have a lot of protein rich foods like eggs. They can help you stay fuller. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)

You must also look for foods which are rich in fibre. If possible, have oat meal. It has soluble fibre which can slow down digestion and lower cholesterol and blood glucose, thus making you feel full and energised. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)

Foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin, like dairy products, are good for you. You can eat yogurt, flavoured or otherwise, or a nice milkshake with honey, to stay full and hydrated. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)

Avoid products with MSG (monosodium glutamate) and sodium benzoate. (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Foods to eat during iftar: When you finally break the fast for the day, understand that you need to give your body all essential nutrients. Potassium rich fruits like dates are a must. They can hydrate you and give you instant energy. Also have as much of water as possible before you go to sleep. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)

Raw nuts are great for you, because they can meet your hunger needs and not make you binge-eat either. Almonds, especially, contain good fats which your body needs after a day of fasting. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)

Have cucumbers, lettuce, and other such vegetables that have high water content. With summers here, these vegetables will be able to cool you from the inside, and keep your skin healthy, too. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)