Buka Puasa, Iftar, or Breaking Fast, is one of the most anticipated times during Ramadan.
Who doesn’t, right? You get to enjoy good food and good company after an entire day of fasting.
But rather than jumping straight into “sapu-ing” all the food and drinks, here are tips to buka puasa that allow our body to ease into it, preventing glucose spikes and other discomforts.
After all, we want to be able to sembang-sembang with our friends and families while enjoying delicious food, right?
Fasting during Ramadan is quite similar to Intermittent Fasting, a health trend that has been growing in popularity lately.
Since both these practices involve periods of abstaining from food, these tips can also be applied to those practising Intermittent Fasting.
Soups & Fruits First
First things first, after a day of fasting, it’s essential to ease back into eating in moderation so that we don’t overwhelm our digestive system.
We know you’re hungry and thirsty, but take it easy and enjoy your meals slowly.
Enjoy some refreshing fruits or fruit juice. A light soup is also an ideal starter for Iftar.
Soups are easy to digest and nutritious to kickstart our digestive system and keep us hydrated.
They’re perfect for bringing our blood sugar levels back to normal. It also helps nourish our body with all the vitamins and minerals.
Next, Salads!
Some common discomforts during Ramadan are constipation, heartburn and reflux.
Salads are a great source of fibre and essential vitamins. The cool and hydrating effects of cucumber and tomatoes will keep you feeling refreshed and full without weighing you down.
So, it’s always good to line our stomachs with vegetables before our main meals.
Main Meals
Now that we’ve kickstarted our digestive system, it’s time for our main meals.
Following the tips above, you won’t have to worry about overeating or bingeing on unhealthy food.
Choose main meals that are light and nutritious. Since we’ve been fasting, it’s time to replenish our body with the nutrients it deserves. Load up on some carbohydrates and proteins.
A balanced and healthy meal ( ahem, like what we serve in Dandy) will ensure a wholesome dining experience.
Remember, try to avoid overly spicy, salty, and greasy food. They’re normally the culprit for all your post-meal discomforts.
And finally, wash it down with some refreshing drinks!
That’s it.
Some friendly tips to help you break your fast like a pro during Ramadan.
Recap
Be mindful of your portions; start with soup and salads to fill up your stomach, and then move on to the main dishes. Avoid spicy, oily, and salty food.
For those that berpuasa during Ramadan, prioritise replenishing lost fluids with water or refreshing drinks.
For those who are practising Intermittent Fasting, it is important to stay hydrated throughout the day with plain water.
Whether you’re fasting for spiritual or health purposes, let’s nourish our bodies and souls with good food and good company.
Ramadan Mubarak, Dandyians!
Psst, check out our Ramadan Feast Bersama Menu.
We look forward to welcoming you, your friends and family!