Women’s healthy diet chart in Ramadan
Published: 07 March 2025, 11:16:22
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from food and drink. While fasting is a time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and community, it’s also important to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet to support physical health. For women, who may experience different physiological needs, a healthy diet plan during Ramadan is essential for maintaining energy, hydration, and overall well-being.
Here’s a guide to a healthy diet chart for women during Ramadan:
Pre-Dawn Meal (Suhoor): Suhoor is the meal before dawn, marking the start of the fast. It’s important to eat foods that provide long-lasting energy and keep you hydrated for hours. Women should prioritize foods rich in complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fiber.
Ideal foods:
Whole grains: Oats, whole wheat bread, or brown rice provide slow-releasing energy.
Protein-rich foods: Eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or lean meats such as chicken or turkey help keep you full longer.
Healthy fats: Avocado, nuts, and seeds are rich in healthy fats, providing sustained energy.
Fruits and vegetables: Fresh fruits like apples, bananas, and vegetables such as spinach, cucumbers, and tomatoes offer hydration and essential vitamins and minerals.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water or herbal teas. Avoid caffeinated drinks as they may increase dehydration.
Suhoor should be eaten at least an hour before dawn to allow digestion. Avoid heavy, greasy, and spicy foods, as they can cause discomfort and indigestion during fasting hours.
Breaking the Fast (Iftar): Iftar is the meal to break the fast, traditionally begun with dates and water. It’s important to ease into eating after a long period of fasting to avoid overwhelming the digestive system. A balanced meal should contain a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats.
Ideal foods:
Dates and water: Dates are rich in natural sugars, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them perfect for quickly restoring energy levels after fasting.
Soups: A warm, vegetable-based soup or lentil soup can be comforting and hydrating. Soups with lean proteins like chicken or legumes can provide additional nourishment.
Salads: Fresh salads with leafy greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil provide fiber and essential vitamins.
Proteins: Lean proteins such as grilled chicken, fish, or legumes like chickpeas and lentils are great for muscle repair and overall health.
Carbohydrates: Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, or whole wheat pasta offer steady energy and aid in digestion.
Fruits: Fresh fruits like watermelon, oranges, and berries are hydrating and full of vitamins.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water between Iftar and bedtime. Herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint can also aid digestion and promote relaxation.
Post-Iftar (Dinner and Snacks): After Iftar, it’s important not to overeat or indulge in heavy, unhealthy snacks. Keep meals light and nutritious. A small snack or light dinner should consist of proteins, vegetables, and healthy carbs.