Quick Tips to Avoid Weight Gain in Ramadan

The month of Ramadan can cause weight gain in some people. Of course you all want to know how to prevent this from occurring, but to do this you need to know why it happens.

Weight gain in Ramadan is due to five simple reasons. It occurs when you eat unceasingly from the time of Iftari till Sehri. I know that you’re hungry and do not want to wither away into nothingness during your roza, but it is a prime reason for weight gain. It is also associated with tiredness due to the feeling of fullness.

Another reason is laziness and inactivity after Iftari. Weight gain is also caused by eating of fried food in large quantities during the latter half of the day, which are cooked in oil and have high fat content. These are foods like samosas, pakoras, pastries and jalebees. It is also due to eating larger portions of your meals, compared to the usual amount you eat. Lastly, weight is also gained by having a lot of Iftaar parties, or going out to restaurants for Iftaari which put you in contact with a large amount and variety of food. Yes, Ramadan is meant to be a month where the community gets closer, but it should not be done to an excess, which could cause you to gain weight.

There are many different ways to prevent weight gain in this holy month. You should avoid overeating, and stop yourself when you feel too full. Your Iftari should contain reasonable portions of food. You should also have soup or salad first, instead of heavier foods, as they are low in calories and make you feel full.

Also drink juices squeezed from fresh fruit in your home. The store bought ones contain preservatives and a lot more sugar, which is not good for you, or your weight. Also, when you cook your favorite Ramadan meals, avoid deep frying your food whenever possible. Instead, cook your food using vegetable oil, baking, roasting, steaming, or grilling. This reduces the amount of fat you consume, which can prevent weight gain. Keep in mind that just because you are not using as much fat, the food and its flavor will not be as good.

You can substitute the fat with a multitude of herbs and spices, and vegetable. In this way you can season your meal in a healthy manner, and without adding undue calories. Also, to prevent gaining weight, walk for half an hour to one hour on a daily basis. You do not need to do any strenuous exercise, as just walking in the park will burn some excess calories.

When you go grocery shopping, buy low fat dairy products instead of the usual Nestle milk. Also select lean meats and avoid eating excessive red meat. Eat your food slowly at both your meals during the day to prevent indigestion as well. Refrain from eating incessantly from sundown to sunrise as well. Also try to drink eight glasses of water in the non-fasting hours of the day.