Iftar is the time we’re all waiting for after a long day of fasting in Ramadan. You could break your fast with a few dates and water or fruit juices to give you a refreshing burst of much-needed energy and hydration. However, and as in Suhoor, in order to properly replenish energy and nutrients, you should try your best to include foods from all major food groups.
Iftar is technically your first meal of the day. Therefore, just like sports, you need to exercise your stomach first. What I suggest is having a nice, warm bowl of soup to prepare your stomach to receive the rest of the meal and help replenish body fluids.
After you’ve prepared your stomach with a nice bowl of soup. It’s time to check that you’ve had the vegetables your body needs. If the main dish and the soup don’t include many vegetables, have a colorful salad rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber.
Yes, now you can start digging in the lovely plates that are sitting in front of you. Consume a moderate amount of the main dish which should contain a source of carbohydrates like rice, bread, pasta or potatoes, but also some protein such as meat, chicken, fish or their alternatives such as beans and lentils.
Of course, Ramadan holds a lovely amount of special treats. But when it comes to Ramadan fried foods and pastries, keep in mind that moderation is key. Enjoy these foods in smaller portions to stay fit and healthy. Finally, pay attention to your speed while eating. Considering that a lot of food is to be eaten within a short period of time, we would suggest that you break your Iftar into two smaller meals to avoid any digestive discomfort.
