What Ramadan changes in us: lessons for life
At the end of practicing a month-long abstinence the sight of a new moon brings glad-tidings of Eid. After maintaining a strict regimen for thirty long days, it might become habitual for many of us to wake up at the crack of dawn, or pay close attention to the call of prayer at dusk. Well, make best use of it!
Setting aside the spirituality of the month, many of you have taken a break from the habitual fried food and have tried to maintain a healthier diet. Carry these small accomplishments forward to have a good year, and a good life, ahead.
Say goodbye to chilled water, and fizzy drinks too!
Summer was cruel but it is not over yet. We still have water bottles in the refrigerator to soothe us after a terrific battle with Dhaka traffic. This can rage havoc to your body, especially the gastro-intestinal system. That however will not stop you from having cravings for that glass of chilled water. So rather than gulping a glassful just after returning home, relax a little. Your yearnings for an icy chill will wane-off in no-time! And even a luke-warm glass of water will seem heavenly. You can even do even better. Yoghurt, coconut water, cucumber, tomatoes and bell peppers are excellent when it comes to hydrating the body effectively. And this has been as true in Ramadan as it will be for the rest of the year.
Also try to abstain from consuming too much tea or coffee, which will leave your body dehydrated and leave it exhausted.
Oily/processed food has to go too
No matter how much money you have in your pocket, eating out on a regular basis has become a practice for the average person. You can indulge once in a while but let that not become the norm for you. Opt for healthier options as Dhaka now boasts a wide array of delicious cuisines.
If you prefer to prepare your food home, grill your meat (even vegetables!) rather than frying them.
Never skip a meal - that is the mantra of every health conscious individual. Make sure the platter on your table has a nutritious mix of all necessary nutrients - proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins!
Dessert or no dessert?
Consuming desserts rich in refined sugar should be reduced to at least once a week. Eid day being an exception! If you really must have something sweet in your system, make it organic by using honey or brown sugar.
Take it easy
Last but not the least, this step is the one we always forget amidst the traffic, chaos and heat. Mindless banters and even occasional fights break out while we are fasting. If you have been able to control your wrath for a whole month, you have it in you to completely forgo. Keep in mind, Ramadan has been a month to maintain abstinence and its lessons are for life. Eid Mubarak!