Around the world Muslims have entered the month of Ramadan with positive minds and hopeful hearts. The month of Ramadan for Muslims is a month full of blessings and lessons. The month which not only consists of fasting from sunrise to sunset for 30 days but also means that one learns patience, forgiveness, contentment, empathy, unity, it teaches one the art of giving and most of all the month teaches one how to connect to Allah.

This year Ramadan brings peace and assurance that everything will be alright to people quarantined at home and those who are depressed about the stressful pandemic COVID’19. People all around the world are required to stay at home amongst the ongoing situation and so Muslims are fasting, praying, and staying at home too.

Ramadan is not only good for the betterment of one’s soul but it is also a perfect chance to break bad eating habits and turn towards a healthy and balanced diet. If taken care of the diet properly, it may help you lose weight and decrease blood pressure and cholesterol but if one over-indulges in Iftar and Suhoor, it can cause weight gain and several other problems.

To keep you healthy and fit in the month of Ramadan, ZAFA presents a set of guidelines to help you out:

• Increase the intake of water and keep yourself hydrated: it is important to drink fluids to replace whatever amount you lost of it during the day through sweating, etc. you can keep yourself hydrated by taking hydrating foods during Suhoor such as watermelon or yogurt. Avoid caffeinated drinks at all costs.
• Have food that lasts you through the fast during Suhoor: a wholesome meal during Suhoor that lasts you till Iftar is the ideal choice. Adding complex carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and chickpeas will provide you the energy that lasts longer throughout the fast. Salt stimulates thirst and so it’s a good idea to avoid consuming a lot of salty foods.
• Re-fuel your energy with a balanced Iftar: as per the customs, Muslims break their fast with dates and water. Dates are excellent source of fiber; they help to restore sugar levels in the body. Water rehydrates the body. Apart from that incorporate vegetables and fruits in your Iftar to provide your body with vital nutrients.
• Avoid heavily fried items on a daily bases: In order to prevent muscle breakdown, meals must contain adequate levels of energy-rich foods, including carbohydrates and a portion of fat but one needs to avoid processed and fried foods for Iftar as they are high in sugar and fat that is not healthy for the body.

Balanced food and fluid intake are important between the fasting periods; a balanced diet with ample quantities of nutrients, salts, and water is extremely vital. Following through this guideline by ZAFA Pharmaceuticals will keep you fit throughout Ramadan and you’ll eventually develop a habit of healthy eating. ZAFA Pharmaceuticals wishes all the Muslims a very safe and peaceful Ramadan at home and has also got you covered if you are in need of any medicine or supplement to keep yourself healthy; you just need to visit https://zafa.com.pk/