Healthiest Iftar Foods
We put together some ideas on how to create the healthiest iftar dinners. These healthy meals will make you feel great during Ramadan.
Those who have experienced Ramadan many times in their lives already know this: the fasting gets easier. After a few days of adjusting, the body starts to burn fat for energy during fasting hours, as it isn’t getting any energy from food or drinks. When the body is satisfied by taking its fuel from stored fat, you feel satisfied, too – and not at all hungry.
Having said that, the key to feeling great during Ramadan, is choosing to eat wisely at suhoor and iftar. And, of course, those clever choices help shed a few pounds along the way, just in time for summer holidays! The traditional way of breaking the fast – with one or two dates and a glass of water – is also the best way. Dates release energy slowly and keep cravings away, on the contrary to fatty foods that only leave one hungry for more food.
It’s best not to eat very much immediately. Just a quick snack, and then a good pause. That way the edge of hunger and thirst is cut off. There’s room for consciousness at Iftar table, as it is essential to keep a watch on the quality, not the quantity, of the evening meal.
Foods that contain lots of cooked vegetables are great at Iftars. When you cook your veggies, even lightly, you make them much easier to digest, than raw ones. Use plenty of different, colourful vegetables, and the food will be hearty and filling, yet healthy and light.
Another great basis for Iftar meals are whole grains. Ancient grains such as kamut, farro, amaranth, oat and quinoa, release energy slowly, keeping the body satisfied for many hours. Have them in your salads, stews, soups, desserts and as side dishes.
The healthiest evening meal is completed with lean protein, such as chicken breast, turkey, white fish, eggs, yogurt, or low-fat cheese. Choose your source of healthy fats from a moderate amount of oils, nuts, seeds, and avocado.
Also, one needs to drink water like a camel: in the evening, and again before sunrise. Squeeze some lemon into your water pitcher, to make it a fashionable detox health water!
A delicious dessert is of course in order as a price after a long day of fasting. Watery fruits such as watermelons, oranges, kiwis, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and pineapple, taste delicious – and they also help the body stay hydrated. Feel free to splurge!
Other guilt free dessert options are sweetened mostly with honey, raisins, coconut sugar, and of course: dates.
So, from the Hello Chef kitchen, we wish you happy and healthy Ramadan! Ramadan Mubarak!
P. S. Check out these recipes when planning your iftars:
Zucchini and Beef Lasagna with Ricotta and Parsley
