Ramadan is the most important and special time of the year for Muslims all over the world. It is a time of deep reflection and piousness to become closer to our creator Allah(swt). It is also a great time to reach optimal health and wellbeing and even weight loss.
Days are spent fasting from sunrise to sundown and spent in worship and reading quran. It is a perfect time to give your body a detox that it needs. It is also a great month to get in shape and lose those extra pounds and is a good time to achieve optimal health and wellbeing.
There are a plethora of health benefits in fasting such as cleaning your body of harmful toxins that are stored in your fat deposits, regulates cholesterol levels and regulates blood sugar levels and reduces inflammation.
Food is a big part of Ramadan but it should not be our focus. While it can be tempting to indulge and eat everything on the table at Iftar time, it is important to remain mindful of not indulging too much and to still incorporate all the necessary nutrients and hydration needed for a healthy Ramadan. I have created a list of healthy Iftar recipes for weight loss to help you achieve a healthy Ramadan.
As our beloved prophet Muhammad The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said,
“The son of Adam cannot fill a vessel worse than his stomach, as it is enough for him to take a few bites to straighten his back. If he cannot do it, then he may fill it with a third of his food, a third of his drink, and a third of his breath.
I hope that are able to create a few healthy habits this Ramadan. That means more vegetable and fruits and less fried samosas and knafeh. Easier said than done I know! I cant even resist knafeh but let us take care of this one and only body that God has given us.
1. Lebanese Crushed Lentil Soup
This crushed lentil soup from Feel Good Foodie is so delicious. Lentils are a great food to eat for Iftar as it is packed with so much nutrients and proteins from the lentils. It is the perfect recipe as it is easy to make and it is filled with lost of fiber that will keep you full.
2. Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice
from Good Food baddie is a great recipe for those chicken lovers. Brown rice contains more fiber than white rice so it is a great alternative.
3. Quick and Easy Chopped Salmon Salad
This salad is packed with lots of healthy fats and vegetables Salmon is a great source of omega 3 fats which have been shown to reduce inflammation.
4. One Pan Mexican Quinoa Recipe
Its just the right dish after a long day of fasting. Add some chicken for some more protein and you will be satisfied.
5. Brown Lentil Soup
Brown lentil soup is another type of lentil soup that is great for digestion and weight loss. This recipe from Recipe Tin Eats is super flavorful and super filling.
6. Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed pepers are great source of protein and vegetables. So you get best of both worlds! Not only is this recipe easy to make it is super flavorful!
7. Lentil Soup Recipe
I cant talk enough about the many benefits of lentils and how it is a superfood legume to incorporate into our diets during Ramadan. This soup recipe is filled with tons of vegetables and greens that we need during Ramadan. Give it a try!
8. Beef Kafta
by the Feel Good Foodie is another great option that is healthy and delicious.
9. One Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice
I always make this from Recipe Tin Eats. It is super simple to whip up and just healthy and filling enough with loads of protein
10.Ground Beef Recipe
This is a classic recipe beef rice and veggies. This ground beef recipe is savory and delicious and will keep you full with all the veggies.
To my Muslim audience- Ramadan Mubarak and I wish you Ramadan filled with ease and blessings! May Allah gives each and every single one of us the strength to gain the most of this blessed month.