Hunger pangs can hit you any time during fasting hours, be it morning, noon, or right before it’s time for iftar. All those delicious cold and steamy dishes getting prepared in front can become quite tempting, right?
In addition to that, hunger pangs during the day slow your body down and may cause weakness. As a result, you feel lethargic and de-motivated to complete your daily tasks.
Here are a few tips on how you can keep those hunger pangs at bay and make the most of Ramadan:
1. Drink water
Yes, that’s right! There’s no other best way than getting your hands on a big jar of water and drinking all of it during suhoor as well as after iftar. Lack of water intake can cause you to feel hungry than you usually would during fasting hours.
2. Pre-Plan Your Schedule and Stay Busy
Doing something meaningful with your time, be it worship, work-related tasks, or spending quality time with your family, helps you get your focus off hunger.
You could also volunteer for small chores or activities for the sake of Allah (SWT) while fasting. These can include suhoor and iftar drives often conducted by different organizations. These activities will not only help you stay productive but will also help you get rewards.
3. Be mindful of your surroundings
Some people get hungry just by watching someone else eat during fasting hours. If you’re sitting in front of the television or are with someone who is munching on food, the hunger pangs can hit you like a big, red bus.
Avoid being around people or in situations that make you think about food. Make it easy for yourself! We all know fasting can get challenging sometimes.
4. Increase your yogurt intake
Yogurt helps in making fasting less challenging throughout the day. Yogurt is high in proteins that slow down the digestive system and suppress hunger.
An added benefit of yogurt is that it is 85 to 88% water, so it will also help your body stay hydrated for a longer time.
5. Eat dates at Suhoor time
Dates are power-packed with minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. Adding this sweet fruit to your meal means you are giving your body a burst of energy to use during fasting hours.
Try these useful tips and make Ramadan less challenging for your body. May Allah (SWT) make this Ramadan more bearable and even more fruitful than the previous one for us. Ameen.
