How to prepare yourself for Ramazan
Fasting in this sweltering heat for 15 hours is going to be a challenge for a lot of people.
(Web Desk) - As the holy month of Ramazan approaches, how to adapt to the changing eating and drinking habits in this blistering heat is on everyone’s mind. Fasting replenishes and detoxifies the body by removing toxins and gives a boost to the immune system. But fasting in this sweltering heat for 15 hours is going to be a challenge for a lot of people.
Many people are under the impression that with the advent of Ramazan, they will suddenly be able to change their routine to not eating and drinking for the whole day. However, health experts believe that preparing for this change in routine will make it easier for people to adapt to fasting and will prevent exhaustion that usually occurs during the first few fasts.
The Met Department stated on Friday that there are chances of the moon being sighted on May 26, with the first fast being on May 27. That means you only have four days to prepare for your fasting routine.
Here are a few ways to prepare your body for Ramazan:
Reducing food consumption:
Reducing meals to smaller quantities before the start of Ramazan will help prepare you to go without food for longer periods. Large meals only increase your appetite and will make fasting difficult.
Eating an early breakfast:
Some people, especially those who are used to skipping breakfast, will find it difficult to adjust to eating a large pre-dawn meal, sehri, before the fast begins. Start having your breakfast meal early, if possible earlier than usual, so that you find it easier to make the transition.
Regulate sleep:
Night owls who are in a habit of sleeping late and waking up late need to start regulating their sleeping patterns to prepare waking up early for sehri. You can start waking up an hour before Fajr and then go back to sleep in order to mimic your Ramazan routine.
Avoid snacking:
Try having only three large meals; breakfast, lunch and dinner. Avoid having snacks between these meals in order to reduce the urge to nibble on something during the day.
Quit smoking during the day:
To avoid irritability, restlessness, lack of focus and other withdrawal effects of smoking, start practicing now by reducing nicotine intake during the day. This way you will get used to getting through half the day without smoking.
Reduce caffeine intake:
Just like nicotine, start reducing your caffeine intake during the day if you do not want to have a severe headache due to caffeine withdrawal. If you are a coffee lover, you can switch to decaffeinated coffee.
Consult a doctor:
Most importantly, if you are apprehensive about your ability to fast due to disease or some other physical reason, it would be a good idea to consult a doctor about whether fasting is safe for your health or not.
