Ramadan 2023: What foods to eat, what to avoid?

Ramadan, the holy month of Muslims worldwide, is the month in which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. During this month, all able-bodied Muslims must fast the entire day — from sunrise to sunset.

The fasting period, also known as Roza, is paramount to Muslims. During this period, they must abstain from any food or drink consumption. This is seen as giving up all worldly desires for Allah. 

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The fast is broken after sunset with a full-fledged meal known as Iftar. It is believed that those who prepare iftars or offer them to those in need provide a true act of kindness in the eyes of Allah. 

According to traditional practices, the fast is broken by consuming dates with water or milk. Dates are an excellent energy source and rich in potassium for proper muscle function and rejuvenation. 

Some of the most famous iftar meals include Shorba, a vegetable-based soup; Haleem, a delicious stew made from mutton and sometimes chicken; Sambusa, a form of baked samosa stuffed with fish or vegetables. Kebabs, jallab, fattoush, kheer are some of the other popular dishes consumed during this time.

It is always advisable to break Roza with a light preparation such as soup and then move on to heavier dishes. Consuming rich food after prolonged fasting is unsuitable for the body. 

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Hence, food that includes a lot of sugar and fat should be eaten less. Food items containing high salt, chocolate, or caffeine content are also advised to be avoided.