As the month of Ramadan started, the bustling streets of Old Dhaka came alive with the aroma of spices and the sizzle of frying pans. The Iftar bazars in this ancient section of the capital are a battleground for traditional dishes vying to be crowned the ultimate feast to break one's fast. Amongst the labyrinthine lanes of Chawkbazar, Islampur, Bangla Bazar, and the roadside tong shops, vendors engage in a spirited rivalry to tantalize the taste buds of the devout. Chawkbazar stands as a bastion of tradition in the realm of Iftar markets, offering a cornucopia of culinary delights. Here, amidst the throng of eager patrons, one can find an array of Iftar staples: chickpeas, piaju, puri, chop, and juice, alongside a plethora of innovative creations. The alleys of Islampur and Bangla Bazar also boast diverse assortments of Iftar treats, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the region. Central to the charm of Chawkbazar is the legendary 'Boro Baper Polay Khay' Iftar, a concoction steeped in tradition and flavor. Comprising an eclectic mix of 15 ingredients, including chicken, minced meat, cotton kebab, and an assortment of spices, it embodies the essence of Old Dhaka's culinary heritage. Priced between Tk 800 to Tk 1200 per kilogram, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of tradition. With two more demises today, death toll from Gazipur gas cylinder blast rises to 5 However, a newcomer to the scene, 'Shob Baper Polay Khay,' poses a formidable challenge to the reigning champion. Vendors tout its credentials, proclaiming, "This is the traditional food of Dhaka, the best of Chawkbazar." They claim that their food has a 78-year-old tradition. Kebabs reign supreme in this gastronomic arena, with vendors proudly presenting an assortment of tantalizing options. From Tengri Kebab to Suti Kebab, Sheek Kebab, and Kathi Kebab, the choices are as diverse as they are delectable. Whole chicken roasts, quail roasts, and succulent leg of goat roasts vie for attention alongside savory beef haleem and fragrant biryanis. Vegetarian offerings such as vegetable naan, milk naan, and keema paratha cater to diverse palates, while vendors employ persuasive advertising tactics to attract discerning buyers.

During the holy month of Ramadan, after a long day of fasting, the tradition of breaking fast, or Iftar, often involves enjoying refreshing beverages. Among these, instant powdered fruit drinks are a popular choice due to their refreshing flavours and instant preparation. However, commercially produced powdered drinks can contain artificial additives and excessive sugar, which may not align with dietary preferences or health goals. Thankfully, making homemade powdered fruit drinks provides a healthier alternative, offering control over ingredients and customisation of flavours. Why Avoid Commercially Produced Instant Powdered Fruit Drinks? Commercially produced powdered fruit drinks often contain artificial colours, flavours, preservatives, and high amounts of sugar. Consuming such additives regularly may lead to adverse health effects, including increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases.  Additionally, individuals with dietary restrictions or preferences may find it challenging to locate suitable options among commercially available powdered drink varieties. Homemade powdered fruit drinks allow for the exclusion of unwanted additives and customisation according to personal taste and nutritional requirements. Read more: Reasons Why Ramadan Fasting is More Beneficial Than Dieting How to Make Instant Powdered Fruit Drinks at Home Mango Powder Ingredients 1 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons of glucose powder, 1 teaspoon mango emulsion, 1 teaspoon citric acid, and ¼ teaspoon salt Instructions First, in a mixer jar, pour sugar and add 2 tablespoons of glucose powder, mango emulsion, a quarter teaspoon of salt, and half a teaspoon of citric acid. Grind the ingredients together until they achieve a fine powder consistency. Your homemade mango mix is now ready.  Transfer it into an airtight jar for storage. To serve, simply mix one tablespoon of the mango powder with 200 ml of water, add some ice cubes, stir well, and enjoy the refreshing taste. Read more: Iftar Items, Recipes for Ramadan in Bangladesh Orange Powder Ingredients 1.5 cups sugar, 1 cup orange glucose, 1 teaspoon citric acid, a pinch of salt, 4-5 drops of orange fruit colour, and ½ teaspoon orange essence.

In pursuing a healthier lifestyle, the choice between Ramadan fasting and traditional dieting holds significance. Both practices impact health and eating habits, but which one emerges as the more beneficial option? Let's embark on a journey exploring the nuances of these two approaches and their impact on well-being. Benefits of Month-long Fasting during Ramadan . Holistic Detoxification Ramadan fasting goes beyond the typical notion of dieting for weight loss. It involves a unique detoxification process where the body undergoes a thorough internal cleansing. The fasting period allows organs to rest and rejuvenate which promotes optimal functioning and contributes to overall health. Mindful Eating and Discipline Unlike conventional dieting, which solely focuses on restricting calories, Ramadan fasting instils a sense of discipline and mindfulness in eating habits. The structured nature of fasting encourages individuals to be more aware of what and how much they consume. Thus, Ramadan fosters a healthier relationship with food in the long run. Read more: Healthy Sehri Meal Recipes for Ramadan Fasting Spiritual and Emotional Well-being Ramadan fasting is more than just a physical practice; it is deeply rooted in spirituality. The act of fasting is not only an exercise for the body but also for the mind and soul. This spiritual dimension contributes to emotional well-being and enhances a sense of inner peace, gratitude, and resilience. Community Support and Bonding One of the distinctive aspects of Ramadan fasting is its communal nature. Individuals come together to fast and create a supportive environment beyond personal discipline. This sense of community support and bonding provides emotional strength and motivation, elements often lacking in individualistic dieting journeys. Sustainable Lifestyle Changes Month-long fasting during the holy Ramadan encourages a holistic approach to health that extends beyond the month of fasting. The discipline and mindful eating habits cultivated during Ramadan can translate into sustainable lifestyle changes. This helps individuals maintain a balanced and health-conscious approach to nutrition throughout the year. Read more: Ramadan Fasting with Diabetes: Best foods for Sehri and Iftar Balanced Nutritional Intake While dieting may sometimes lead to nutrient imbalances or deficiencies, Ramadan fasting emphasises a balanced nutritional intake. The pre-dawn and post-sunset meals, suhoor and iftar, are carefully planned to include a variety of food groups which ensures that the body receives essential nutrients. Improved Digestion The intermittent fasting pattern during Ramadan allows the digestive system to rest and function more efficiently. This can lead to improved digestion, absorption of nutrients, and a reduction in digestive issues, contributing to better health. Controls Blood Sugar During Ramadan fasting, insulin sensitivity can improve, lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes. When cells become unresponsive to insulin, insulin resistance can develop – a precursor to diabetes. Fasting prompts the body to use stored glucose for energy, reduces glucose levels, and enhances insulin sensitivity.  Read more: Healthy Iftar Meal Recipes for Breaking Ramadan Fasting Promotes Weight Loss Fasting aids weight loss by regulating portion sizes and cutting calorie intake. However, it is crucial to avoid overeating after fasting periods to maintain progress. Sustaining healthy eating habits and exercise during non-fasting hours is vital for lasting weight loss. Ramadan fasting offers a chance to reset eating patterns and foster healthier food relationships.  Good for Cardiac Health Ramadan fasting positively affects heart health by decreasing blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing inflammation, and enhancing blood circulation. This minimises the risk of heart disease and stroke. Those with existing heart conditions should seek medical advice before fasting, ensuring it aligns with their health needs. Improves Brain Function Ramadan fasting boosts cognitive performance and brain function notably by elevating the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. This protein fosters brain cell growth and survival, heightening memory, learning, and mental clarity.  Read more: Ramadan Fasting Benefits: Impacts on health when you fast for 16 hours Increases Growth Hormone Secretion During Ramadan fasting, the body's growth hormone secretion is naturally enhanced. Research indicates that fasting increases human growth hormone (HGH) levels. This hormonal surge supports metabolism, aids weight loss, and promotes muscle growth, contributing to health benefits during the fasting period.  Could Extend Longevity Examining periodic fasting's impact on the human gut, a study observed an increased diversity of beneficial gut bacteria, notably Christensenella species linked to longevity. Additionally, researchers identified heightened sirtuin levels, proteins crucial for metabolic regulation and longevity. Further research is essential to grasp fasting's longevity effects and identify optimal fasting protocols. Reducing Cancer Risk  The American Cancer Society Journal suggests intermittent fasting could aid cancer treatment and prevention by reducing tumour growth and chemotherapy toxicity in certain cases. However, they stress the necessity for more robust clinical trials and advise cancer patients to undertake intermittent fasting within clinical settings. Further research is imperative to comprehensively understand fasting's impact on cancer.  Read more: 10 Healthy Iftar Drinks for Breaking Ramadan Fasting

The holy month of Ramadan is here and the Muslims have started month-long fasting. It is essential to take healthy foods and drinks at sehri, or sahur, as it is the meal that stores energy for long hours and helps continue the fast. Therefore, it is recommended to consume the right foods at Sehri to get the required nutrients for the body. Let’s take a look at 7 nutrient-rich sehri meal recipes for a healthy start to one’s Ramadan fasting.  7 Nutritous Seheri Meal Recipes for Ramadan Fasting Fruit Cube Salad Recipe Fruit cube salad is only eye-catching to look at but it is delicious, healthy and a creative recipe also.  Ingredients ½ kg watermelon, 2 large bananas, 1 pineapple, 1 large apple, ¼ cup marshmallow For garnishing mint leaves, crushed nuts, sesame seeds, and cinnamon InstructionsFirst, wash the fruits, peel them off, and cut them into cubes. Make sure you use a sharp knife for the fruits. Marshmallows will add a soft texture (sweetness) to the finished cube. The cubes will be around 2.5cm each. This step is a little bit tricky but cutting well-shaped cubes is what makes the whole cube work well. Make one row consisting of three alternating cubes so that no adjacent cubes are the same fruit and the base will have four sides of three cubes on each side. To complete the cube, make two more layers (same). Top with a mint leaf, crushed nuts, sesame seeds, and cinnamon. Enjoy the amazing fruit cube salad.  Read More: Cozy Rainy Day Recipes To Warm You Up Chicken Kebab Recipe Ingredients 300 gms chicken mince, 50 gms onion, 50 gms tomatoes, 30 gms coriander leaves, 50 gms green capsicum, 20 gms green chilli, 5 gms salt, 20 ml oil, 20 gms cashew, 20 gms almonds, 10 gms mint, 5 gms red chilli powder, five gms masala powder, 5 gms ginger garlic paste, 3 gms cumin powder, 10 ml lemon juice, 10 ml fresh cream, 5 ml kewra water InstructionsFirst, take a blender and put mince chicken, onion, salt, red chilli powder, garam masala, ginger garlic paste, cumin powder, lemon juice, coriander leaves, mint leaves, green chilies, fresh cream, kewra water, cashew, and almonds and blend nicely. Put the mince mix on wooden skewers. Now chopped onion, capsicum, and coriander leaves on a plate. Enclose these chopped vegetables around the kebabs and bake them in the oven at 180 degrees for eight to ten minutes. Your Chicken Kebab is ready.  Read More: Ramadan Fasting with Diabetes: Best foods for Sehri and Iftar Oats Kheer Recipe Kheer is the most admired dessert and oats are one of the most chosen and popular ones to prepare healthy kheer.  Ingredients1 cup oats, half litre milk, sugar (optional), 6 dates, 7 almonds, 3 cardamoms, one banana, 7 raisins, 1 cup mixed fruits (optional) InstructionsFirst, cook oats for about 5 minutes. Next, take a pan and put milk, sugar, cardamom, dates, almonds and raisins and let the mixture boil for about 5 to 6 minutes. Now mix oats and cook them boil as long as it becomes thick. Add mixed fruits when the kheer is ready to enjoy.  Read More: Healthy Sehri Ideas: What to eat and avoid for Sehri during Ramadan

The holy month of Ramadan starts with the appearance of the new moon and brings blessings to Muslims worldwide. Greeting each other with Ramadanul Mubarak or Ramadan Kareem, Muslims welcome this month. Fasting begins with Sahur and ends with Iftar. As devoted Muslims fast for 29-30 days continuously, they need to take some preparations for Ramadan. Let’s find out some tips to prepare for Ramadan.  Ramadan's Meaning and significance Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar which is very promising and holy. The holy Quran is the supreme religious scripture for Muslims in Islam. Muslims believe this holy book is a revelation from Allah (God). According to the holy Quran, Fasting (Roza) during Ramadan is mandatory for each adult and healthy Muslim. According to Islam, fasting or Roza is the practice of abstaining from all kinds of foods, drinks, smoking, and sexual activity for some period. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims observe fasting or Roza every day from dawn (before the Fazr prayer) to the Maghrib prayer time. And, the Muslim devotees will be rewarded by almighty Allah for enduring the pain of thirst and hunger during fasting. Read More: Ready for Ramadan? How to Prepare Your Body for Fasting? In Ramadan, besides fasting, Muslims offer prayers to Allah in Salat, read passages from the holy Quran, donate to charity, and maintain a good lifestyle.  10 Useful Tips to Prepare For Holy Ramadan  Finish All Pending Fasts If anyone has any pending fast which was missed in the previous Ramadan, she or he needs to complete that first. When someone is unable to complete the pending fastings due to some reasons like pregnancy, travel, sickness, etc., then it is imperative for that person to pay Fidyah as compensation for not fasting. Fidya or Fidyah system is a kind of donation that must be paid through feeding the poor for not making up fasts missed in the last Ramadan on time.  Create a Ramadan To-Do List As preparation for Ramadan, an individual can write down everything he or she needs to do for his or her own self or own family. The list can also include things he or she wishes to do for needy people. The checklist may include plans for donation, shopping, food processing, cleaning, etc. Read More: Ramadan 2023: Govt sets office timing from 9 am to 3:30 pm Processing of Raw Food Ingredients During cooking diverse kinds of ingredients are applied like onion paste, ginger paste, chili paste, etc. These raw ingredients can be preserved in the freezer for months. Preparations of these raw ingredients at home need time and effort. Making this preparation in advance can save an individual valuable time and energy during fasting hours.  Maintain Nutritious Diet During the holy month of Ramadan, devoted Muslims fast (Roza) from dawn to dusk. Fasting throughout the whole of Ramadan is a challenge for both mind and body. It is essential to maintain a well-balanced diet before and during Ramadan. Maintaining a balanced diet can help to keep blood sugar normal and supply energy. Consulting with a doctor or nutritionist, whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, yogurt, eggs, nuts, etc should be added to the regular diet to prepare the body for Ramadan fasting. Read More: Lessons of Ramadan: What does the holy month teach us? Donate Clothes and Goods Ramadan is the month when many devoted Muslims do charity which is a great way to help others. It would be nice to arrange clothes and other items for donation and start the holy month with a little act of kindness.

Ramadan is one of the most sacred times of the year in the Islam faith. Fasting during Ramadan is quite rigorous on these longer, summer days. So it’s quite important to eat well-balanced, nutritious, and filling meals in Iftar. Check out here 10 nutritious Iftar meal recipes for breaking Ramadan fasting.  10 Hearty Iftar Ideas and Recipes to Try at Home Strawberry Protein Smoothie You and your family members will love this Strawberry Protein Smoothie because it is really creamy and rich with a natural sweetness from the fruit. It is full of protein to give you energy & nutritions. Ingredients One and a half cups milk, 1 banana, two cups strawberries, half cup vanilla yogurt, 2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder How to prepare First, take all the ingredients in a blender, and blend for 1 minute until it reaches a creamy texture. Add more milk if required. Pour into a cup and enjoy!  Read How to Lose Weight in Ramadan? Vegetarian Lemon Rice Soup Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C and minerals; while rice is full of carbohydrates. You can try this Vegan Lemon Rice Soup recipe at home which is rich in nutrients. Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 large onion, 2 carrots, 3 garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, half cup  rice, two bay leaves, four cups vegetable broth, two cups water, ¼ cup lemon juice How to prepare First, cook the vegetables for 1-2 minutes. Next, add the vegetable broth and water and bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 30 minutes. Finally, garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices, and serve! Read Ramadan Fasting Benefits: Impacts on health when you fast for 16 hours Chicken Shawarma Chicken Sharma is a yummy snack you might have tried in restaurants. You can prepare this delicious chicken shawarma at home easily. Its flavor is awesome and the spice blend is versatile. Ingredients  2 tbsp garlic paste, 3/4 cup olive oil, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, cumin, 1½ tsp lemon juice, 2½ pounds chicken thighs (boneless), white sauce, 1 large onion and pita, red cabbage, parsley, mint, (for serving) How to prepare First, prepare the chicken and then make the white sauce ready. Next, to serve, cut 1/4 off the top of the pita. Fill with the chicken, slather with White Sauce and top with cabbage; serve immediately. Read Delicious Watermelon Ice Cream and Cake Recipes to Try at Home Chicken Biryani Who doesn’t love Biryani. This traditional food can be tried with diverse recipes. However, you may not like heavy meals like mutton Biryani for breaking ramadan fasting. But you will of course like this Chicken Biryani for Iftar. You can easily prepare this meal at home. Ingredients Rice 1½ cups best-quality basmati rice, 6 cups water, 1 tbsp salt, 2 tbsp ghee or coconut oil Chicken 3 tbsp warm water, 1/4 cup yogurt,1 tbsp ginger and garlic (grated), 1 tbsp coriander powder, garam masala, cumin powder, turmeric, and salt, 2 pounds of chicken thighs, 3 tablespoons ghee, 1 large onion, 2 cups mixed vegetables How to prepare First, cook the rice then cook the chicken with vegetables. Next, assemble the rice over the chicken mixture and close the lid to cook for a further 20 minutes. Finally, serve with cilantro, mint, and fried onions. Read Savory Lassi: 7 Easy Recipes to Try at Home Prawn and Chicken Fried Noodles If you want to prepare a yummy and healthy dish for Iftar investing less time and energy, try noodles. Prawn and chicken can make your noodles tastier, and healthier. Not to mention, the young members of your family will love this yummy noodle in Iftar time.  Ingredients 1 pound fresh egg noodles, 2 chicken breasts,3 cloves garlic, 2 eggs, beaten, 1/2 pound raw king prawns, 7 ounces snow peas, 3 tablespoons light soy sauce, 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup, 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper,  1 teaspoon ground coriander, coconut oil for frying How to prepare First, fried chicken pieces, beaten eggs, and the prawns. Then, add snow peas, noodles and other ingredients and mix well. Finally, add the soy, tomato ketchup, and spices, and serve. Read 10 Grocery Shopping Apps in Bangladesh: An Overview Roasted Vegetable and White Bean Salad Are you looking for a vegetarian dish which would be both nutritious and delicious? Try this special salad recipe. To prepare this healthy and yummy dish you need just some simple and humble ingredients but it will be extraordinarily delicious.  Ingredients 1 bunch of young carrots,1 small head of cauliflower,  2 cups white beans, 4 ounces French feta cheese, Extra virgin olive oil, Sea Salt, 1 cup cilantro leaves  1/2 cup mint leaves, How to prepare First, preheat the oven to 425°F and cook the vegetables for about 26 to 30 minutes. Then, in a medium bowl, lightly dress cilantro, dill, and mint with salt and serve immediately. Read Cooking Without Oil: How and Why? Egg & Eggplant Sandwich Are you looking for an easy recipe to prepare a simple dish at Iftar requiring a few ingredients? Try this Sandwich recipe. The children and teenage members of your family will definitely like it. This dish works as a good meal for Sehri or Suhoor too.  Ingredients  1 medium eggplant, Olive oil, Salt and pepper, 1 large tomato,1 medium cucumber, 1 small garlic clove, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons plain yogurt, 4 pita bread, 4 large eggs How to prepare First, roast the eggplant in the oven at 425 degrees F for about  20 to 25 minutes. Then, to assemble the sandwiches, first, warm the pitas and cut them in half, and stuff the filling in them. Serve with cucumber and pepper to taste.  Read Grocery Shopping Hacks: Proven tips to choose best foods at grocery stores Tahini Roasted Broccoli Are you bored with common iftar items found in street shops, but don’t have much time to cook meals? If yes, you can try to prepare this healthy but easy-to-cook recipe. You would love this creamy, nutty Tahini Roasted Broccoli as your Iftar meal.  Ingredients  2 tablespoons tahini, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 large cloves of garlic,1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 4 cups broccoli,  How to prepare First, preheat the oven to 450° F. Then, Place all of the ingredients and bake for 10 minutes. Serve hot for the best flavor. Read Healthy Sehri Ideas: What to eat and avoid for Sehri during Ramadan Tomato Beef Stew You may not like eating the same kind of food for Iftar everyday. If you want to cook something special in Iftar to treat your family members, friends, and/or relatives, try this one. The whole family will enjoy this mouth-watering dish! Ingredients 1 pound beef, 3 tablespoons olive oil,3 garlic cloves,1 small onion,1 teaspoon 7 Spice, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 4 ounces tomato paste How to prepare First, cook the beef, and then, cook the rest of the ingredients. Next, mix to incorporate everything together. Finally, serve and enjoy. Read 10 Healthy Iftar Drinks for Breaking Ramadan Fasting Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Do you want to avoid oily and spicy food at Iftar? If yes, don’t miss this recipe. This is a great healthy Iftar item that the whole family will enjoy.  Ingredients 2 cups oats, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, 2 bananas, 1 ½ cups almond milk, ¼ cup creamy peanut butter, 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract How to prepare First, bake the combination of oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt at 375° F in the oven. Then add the rest of the ingredients and pour the wet ingredients over the oat mixture and stir to combine. Finally, bake for about 30-35 minutes. Now, it is ready to serve. Read Ramadan Iftar Ideas: Healthy foods, drinks to break your fast

Ramadan is the holy month of fasting for Muslims around the world. Ramadan fasting abstains people from food and drink between the hours of sunrise and sunset. Ramadan fasting is also a form of intermittent fasting, which is popular to lose weight. Fasting of Ramadan allows followers of the Islam faith to focus on prayer and gratitude. Besides the religious significance, Ramadan fasting offers a bunch of health benefits. For instance, it is an excellent opportunity to shed extra weight as well. Continue reading to explore how to shed weight in Ramadan.  Foods to Help Weight Loss through Ramadan Fasting Ramadan happens once a year and lasts for one lunar month. During Ramadan millions of adult Muslims worldwide cycle between periods of eating and fasting. People generally eat two meals a day during Ramadan: a meal before dawn (Suhoor or Sheri) and a meal after sunset (Iftar), which breaks the fast. Some also take another meal; super. As the Ramadan fast is a type of intermittent fasting, you can take foods that are effective to lose weight. Healthy Suhoor for Weight Loss As you need to start your whole day fasting with Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, it should be wholesome and satisfying. Make sure you take healthy foods to provide your body with sufficient energy throughout a day of fasting.  Read Ramadan Fasting Benefits: Impacts on health when you fast for 16 hours So, you need to eat a balanced meal with complex carbohydrates like wholegrain bread in place of refined white bread and proteins like cheese or eggs. If you can take this combination, it will make you feel full for longer and ensure a stable glucose level in the blood, so you don’t get too hungry during the day.  According to research restricting dietary salt leads to rapid weight loss. So, you must avoid salty foods; canned items, salted snacks, and spicy foods to lose weight. Besides, you should control your temptation to make desserts because the processed sugars inside these sweet treats and beverages can quickly gain weight instead of losing.  You can eat foods containing naturally occurring sugars like fruits, dried fruits, and honey. Moreover, make sure you avoid processed foods like fast foods and packaged foods if you really want to lose weight.  Read Ready for Ramadan? How to Prepare Your Body for Fasting? However, you should not skip suhoor; otherwise, you will be over hungry and end up overeating upon breaking fast after sunset. Hearty Iftar for Losing Weight Certainly, you will feel hungry during Iftar after the daylong fasting; but make sure you eat a healthy meal. Try to resist the temptation to cover for missed meals by sesh eating at the break of the fast. Don’t forget to break your fast slowly.  Start your Iftar with high fiber dates that contain naturally-occurring sugars. Dates help to replenish energy lost during long hours of fasting. Moreover, dates are high in nutrition as they are rich in magnesium and protein. Read 10 Healthy Iftar Drinks for Breaking Ramadan Fasting Then, take easily digestible foods like soups and salads. Finally, make sure you take portioned main meals, balanced with carbohydrates and proteins. But try to totally avoid fried or fatty foods with high caloric content. Nutritious Super During Ramadan, naturally, people who want to lose weight don’t take super except for some. If you are in the line of that some, make sure you take light items in super. As you need to take a healthy suhoor, you must keep your stomach free. You can take a little amount of rice with fish or meat along with vegetables, dal.  Drinks to Help Weight Loss through Ramadan Fasting Studies have shown that drinking water may help to lose weight. That means you need to make sure you are hydrated. Drinking a glass of water before taking a meal works well to lose weight.  Besides, other drinks such as herbal tea-infused water and unsweetened coconut water can be your best choice to lose weight. However, you need to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration and help control sugar cravings.  Read Healthy Sehri Ideas: What to eat and avoid for Sehri during Ramadan Suhoor Start your suhoor with a glass of water before taking a meal. If you drink at least a glass of water, it will reduce your hunger, and ultimately you will take fewer foods and lose weight.  Generally, Ramadan happens on different dates each year depending on the Islamic lunar calendar. If this year Ramadan is in the summer season, you need to drink enough water otherwise you may experience dehydration that may cause mental confusion or tiredness.  Besides, you can take coconut water which is enriched with potassium and other nutrients.  Read 10 Grocery Shopping Apps in Bangladesh: An Overview But make sure you avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea. If you take these drinks in suhoor, they will make the body lose even more water as they are diuretics.  Iftar After a whole day of fasting, you are thirsty. So, you must hydrate the body and prepare the stomach for food. Many like to break their Iftar with coconut water. You can limit creamy soups and focus on ones with clear broth, that is rich in minerals, with added vegetables or legumes. You can take classic lentil soup. Besides, you can take watermelon juice, green mango juice, gur syrup, star fruit juice, and musk melon juice to keep you hydrated.  Super If you are habituated to taking super after Iftar make sure you drink sufficient water. Try to have lentil soup and/ or vegetable soup at supper.  Read Cooking Without Oil: How and Why? Activities for Losing Weight during Ramadan Fasting Although you take fewer calories while fasting, do not remain inactive throughout Ramadan. So, make sure you take regular exercise. Your daily exercise will help maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle by burning excess body fat and maintaining muscle mass.  Half an hour of walking can be best for you. If you are doing high-intensity workouts, it’s best to keep the session to 30 minutes but in the case of low to medium intensity, then workout for 45 minutes.  Besides, as in the month of Ramadan, fasting changes your eating patterns, and your body needs time to adjust and adapt – so it is important to be patient.  Read Delicious Watermelon Ice Cream and Cake Recipes to Try at Home Moreover, you can do yoga to remain controlled, cool, and motivated. Every day you can do yoga for half an hour.

Ramadan fasting involves abstention from eating, drinking, and other forbidden tasks before sunrise to after sunset. It is obligatory for all Muslims from the age of puberty.  You can engage in all these acts after breaking your fasting and restart fasting the next dawn. You need to follow this cycle for a whole month. If planned well, it has long-lasting health benefits. Continue reading to know what happens to your body when you fast for 14 to 16 hours.  What happens to your body when you fast for 14 to 16 hours? Speeds Up The Metabolism Fasting assists to energise your metabolism by giving your digestive system a rest because it burns through the calories more efficiently. When your digestion is poor, this can affect your ability to metabolise food and burn fat. Fasting regulates your digestion promoting healthy bowel function. In this way, fasting improves your metabolic function. Read Ramadan Iftar Ideas: Healthy foods, drinks to break your fast Weight loss Fasting works like magic to lose weight. It can help both obese and non-obese people to lose weight. The connection to fasting is that when you fast, less energy is coming in than going out. That’s why you lose weight. When you are fasting you burn more calories than you take. As a result, you lose fat and improve body composition just by splitting those calories into two meals rather than three.  Improves Hunger When you don’t take any food for 14 to 16 hours, you experience real hunger. Fasting helps to regulate the hormones in your body so that you experience what true hunger is. Therefore, take fasting as a reset button. The longer you fast, the more your body can regulate itself to release the correct hormones. Also Read: Ready for Ramadan? How to Prepare Your Body for Fasting? Develops Your Eating Patterns Fasting is a helpful practice for people who suffer from binge eating disorders. The month-long fasting is also helpful for those who find it difficult to establish a correct eating pattern due to work and other priorities. When you are fasting all afternoon without a meal, it can allow you to eat at a set time and helps you to set your lifestyle.  Ketosis Your hormone insulin of course stays low with your break from eating. Consequently, low insulin helps you burn body fat and make ketones. The fat-burning system is called ketosis which may have the following health benefits: - More stable energy - Reduced cravings - Better appetite control - Enhanced mental acuity - Increased “good” HDL cholesterol - Lower blood sugar and insulin levels - Lower blood pressure - Improvements to metabolic syndrome Read Healthy Sehri Ideas: What to eat and avoid for Sehri during Ramadan Lower blood sugar If a person consumes carbs constantly —their blood sugar stays chronically elevated. This is known as hyperglycemia and is defined as a clinical feature of type 2 diabetes. This causes huge complications, including heart disease. In this situation, fasting may be part of the solution. Studies have shown that fasting lowered average blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Promotes Longevity The younger your body is, the faster and more systematic your metabolism will be. But none of us are getting younger anymore. Therefore, we have to be careful about the process of ageing and relative health issues. You need to remember that the primary effect of ageing is a slower metabolism. Naturally, when you eat less, the less toll it takes on your digestive system. There is a saying- the less you eat the longer you will live. If you believe it, surely it is for you. Read Savory Lassi: 7 Easy Recipes to Try at Home Improves Your Immune System Fasting contributes to improving your immune system by reducing free radical damage, regulating inflammatory conditions in the body, and starving cancer cell formation.  Science has already proved that fasting has a direct connection with Autophagy.  The term Autophagy refers to a natural process in which the cells of a human body can clean out the damaged, dysfunctional, or unnecessary components. Autophagy strengthens the immune system of human health. Contributes To Self-Enlightenment Fasting surely helps you to connect to life because you can get enough time and energy during fasting to practise reading, meditation, and yoga. The digestive system is one of the most energy-absorbing systems in the body. When you have no food in the digestive system, you get more energy in the body.  Besides, fasting creates self-enlightenment in you by helping you feel better both consciously and physically. When your body is light and your mind is clear, you become more aware and grateful for the things around you. Read Delicious Watermelon Ice Cream and Cake Recipes to Try at Home Clear The Skin And Prevent Acne Fasting can help clear the skin as your body is temporarily freed from digestion. Thus, it’s able to focus its regenerative energies on other systems. Not eating anything for a long time helps the body to clean up the toxins and regulate the functioning of other organs of the body such as the liver, kidneys, and other parts. Brain health During fasting, your body burns fat and thus fuels your brain. Naturally, your brain runs entirely on glucose. But when you are fasting, it elevates ketone levels leading to better performance in a variety of mental tasks. It is natural that the ageing brain doesn’t lose its ability to use ketones.  Promotes good sleep Research has shown that fasting may assist to enhance our body's sleep-wake cycle.  Generally, overeating can induce disturbed sleep. During fasting, you eat less, allowing you to sleep better. Read Cooking Without Oil: How and Why? Reduces stress Fasting reduces cortisol (stress hormone) levels and inflammation.  Besides this, fasting allows you to understand how it feels to starve for long hours. Thus, you can be grateful for the food you have. It also makes you sympathetic to those who can’t afford food everyday and encourages you to help those people which in turn gives mental peace. Therefore, fasting is beneficial for your mental health. Heart health Fasting is beneficial to your heart health also. It not only reduces body weight but has also been shown to improve other influential factors of heart health.  Fasting reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides in some of the most rigorous studies leaving positive impacts for heart health.  Fasting also improves multiple cardiovascular risk markers. Read Culinary Schools in Dhaka for Basic Cooking to Professional Chef Courses More productive time Of course, fasting gives you more productive time as you have to invest less time in meal preparations, eating, and cleanup. Besides, ketosis provides a steady energy source for your brain in the form of ketones without having to deal with rapid blood sugar fluctuations, which can enhance sustained concentration. Bottom Line So far, we have discussed the health benefits of fasting in Ramadan. No doubt, fasting is a very popular weight-loss method. It serves as a reset system of the digestive system of a human body. Fasting promotes autophagy which is good for the human immune system. Furthermore, fasting leaves positive impacts on the heart and brain. Besides, realisation of hunger during fasting makes you a grateful, kind and sympathetic person. Fasting helps you to feel satisfaction with your current achievements or possessions. On the whole, Ramadan fasting helps you live a longer, healthier and peaceful life.  Read 10 Grocery Shopping Apps in Bangladesh: An Overview

The holy month of Ramadan is about to come within just a few days. In the month of Ramadan Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. Are you really ready for Ramadan? As Ramadan comes after a long 11 months and you need to continue fasting constantly for 30 days, it is surely important to prepare your body for fasting at first. If you are still confused about how to make your body ready for Ramadan fasting, just continue scrolling to get your probable solution.  Why is it necessary to Prepare Your Body for Fasting? Fasting is an essential religious practice in many religions.  It affirms the purifying of one's body and mind. Many also use it as a means of weight loss although there is no available evidence showing its effectiveness. However, if you don’t carry it out the correct and safe way, it can be deleterious to your health. So, to avoid any negative side effects, you should plan for your fast in advance.  Besides, you need to make sure you modify your daily habits and make changes to your diet ahead of time. Most probably, these preparations will make the fast a safer and more pleasant experience for you. Read Intermittent Fasting: Health Benefits and Risks 10 Fruitful Ways to Prepare Your Body for Ramadan Fasting Surely the upcoming holy month of Ramadan may be difficult for some people. It requires us to be well-prepared and ready to refrain from food and drink consumption during the daytime. Every day we need to fast for about 15 hours which demands us to be strong not only physically but mentally also. However, to be strong and stout enough you must prepare yourself to adapt yourself to all the challenges that come along with fasting during Ramadan. Along with focusing on the quantity of food intake, you also have to focus on what you eat, how you eat, and how you sleep. These  10 fruitful top tips will help you get through Ramadan before you know it: Food consumption As Ramadan is approaching, you need to be habituated to taking moderate quantities of food. So, do not spend lavishly on food. If you don’t take control of yourself regarding food, you cannot control yourself during Ramadan also. Besides, taking more food before Ramadan will increase your appetite and make it more difficult to fast.  Read: Savory Lassi: 7 Easy Recipes to Try at Home Reduce salt and sugar intake It is fundamental to reduce your salt and sugar intake regularly before Ramadan. For this, first, identify the foods that contain high levels of salt and sugar that you regularly eat.  It won’t be possible to reduce a lot at first but try to decrease by 1 tablespoon of salt and sugar every day. If you decrease in this way, your body may not notice the decrease, and this is the only way you will get used to it.  Thus, you will be able to minimize your longing for food and drinks that are high in salt and sugar which would be beneficial for you during Ramadan and the course of your life as well.  Read: Grocery Shopping Hacks: Proven tips to choose best foods at grocery stores Eat healthy foods before fasting When you are near the date of fasting, try to skip processed foods. Instead of taking processed foods, you need to take whole foods and make sure you avoid sugary foods. If you eat foods high in sugar, it can cause your blood sugar to hit and will increase your appetite. So, you can take fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods will assist you to keep your appetite stable and make it easier for you to begin your fast. Drink enough water Remember you need to drink plenty of water before you begin your fast. Taking enough water is necessary to maintain your health, and it can also help restrain your appetite as well. Research has shown that a man should drink about 13 cups or 3 liters and a woman should drink 9 cups or 2.2 liters a day. Drinking enough water also helps you suppress your cravings and ease into your fast. Read A look at the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan Early breakfast As you have to wake up early for Suhoor to take the pre-dawn meal during Ramadan, it would be better for you if you habituate it earlier. So, if you start taking an early breakfast now, it will help your body get used to the earlier hours.   Stop snacking  It is very important to stop your snacking habit before you are going to start fasting for a long time like during the month of Ramadan. Just take 3 meals a day; breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This habit before starting fasting will discipline your stomach to accept food consumption at fixed mealtimes. Remember, during Ramadan, you can only have your main meals two times a day; during Suhoor and Iftar. Read: Yummy Milkshake Ideas, Recipes to Try at Home Lower your caffeine intake  Make sure you reduce your caffeine intake before Ramadan. Caffeine is habit-forming and if you cannot decrease your caffeine input before Ramadan, you won’t be able to prevent your body from experiencing acute caffeine withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms are dangerous that can cause irritability, anger, impatience, restlessness, and concentration problems.  They will ultimately affect your daily tasks and wellbeing.  Reduce smoking Like caffeine intake, smoking is also habit-forming and it is not easy to give up easily. If you give it up suddenly, you can experience various withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anger, restlessness, impatience, and difficulty concentrating during fasting hours. So, make sure you minimize this fatal habit before Ramadan.  Read Covid vaccine can be taken during Ramadan fasting: Islamic Foundation Regulate sleep Follow your own stepping pattern that you are used to and try to do it constantly. It is necessary for every person to take at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep each night to become healthy. Required hours of sleeping help to equip with enough energy for the day and decrease the risk of chronic problems like heart disease and stroke.  Refer to your doctor It is wise to consult with your doctor about whether you are good to go for fasting. You need to do so and follow your doctor’s instructions of course if you have health concerns like diabetes, gastric complications, high blood pressure. Read Best Iranian Movies 2021 to Watch during Ramadan Fasting

At first, it may seem strange that abstaining from food could lead to healthier living. Since young, many were taught that the key to a healthy life revolves around exercise and nutritional meals. Although that is completely true, the fitness industry has started to get more creative with diets catered towards different goals and intermittent fasting promotes fat loss and even muscle definition! Although it occupies a niche and does it relatively well, this form of dieting has its fair share of risks that are associated with it. Here are the health benefits of intermittent fasting and possible risks to watch out for. What Is Intermittent Fasting The word “fasting” is straightforward enough, but “intermittent” can be a little misleading, and if done wrong, can lead to massive health consequences. Rather than an actual diet, Intermittent Fasting moderates the time you eat instead and that throws your body off its regular routine into something that can optimise its metabolism. The traditional fasting method is to abstain from food 16 hours a day, or even fasting a full day twice a week. This can sound extreme, but the logic lies in humans having the capacity to survive off food for a relatively long period of time. Alternatively there is a strict calorie deficit rule that encourages to only consuming 500-600 calories on two separated days in a week. This is a moderated form of fasting that allows an easier transition for those who are new to this diet. The most common method of fasting is to go by the 16/8 method, which promotes sacrificing breakfast and only opening an eating window between 1pm to 9pm. This is the simplest method by far and does not require calorie counting, leaving a significantly smaller margin for error. Read: Best Health Clubs and Gyms in Dhaka in 2021 Health Benefits of Intermittent Fasting Alters Hormones and Genes On a microscopic level, fasting makes a lot of alterations to the hormone and genetic components to the body, but not in a bad way. Insulin levels for example drop a fair bit which is good for the body to metabolise at a faster rate. Blood levels are also affected when fasting which does trigger natural growth hormones within the body to ensure muscle-building too. Additionally, fasting doesn’t make any direct alterations to genetic material, but it does strengthen its protection from diseases and extend its longevity. These changes are rather detailed compared to other factors, but it is good to know how extensive the changes are just by conditioning your body. Read Muscle Building Diet: Best Foods for Muscle Gains, Definition and Fat Reduction Burn Fat Naturally, this would be the primary reason why anyone would choose to go on this rigorous journey, but its popularity is warranted. It isn’t any surprise that abstaining from food frequently would equate to fewer calories and that in turn, increases norepinephrine which is a compound used to break fat. The intervals of intermittent fasting are relatively short compared to other types of fasts and are meant to kickstart the body to burn the fats reserved since no new sources are coming in. This style of dieting is the epitome of bodily conditioning; in order to get the most out of it, being careful with the type of food you eat and enforcing regular exercise is still critical to ensure that your body is burning fat from reserves. Read What is Protein Powder? Benefits of Taking Protein Supplements Reduces Risk of Diabetes When the body is “starved” off its regular eating routine, you will start to lose insulin and that has large implications to building a tolerance for certain diseases. With a reduction of insulin, blood sugar is automatically lowered and this is the primary factor that determines whether type 2 diabetes surfaces or not. There are many foods that also reduce blood sugar and would go wonderfully with intermittent fasting to reduce the risks to almost zero. Reduces Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Oxidative stress is the cause of chronic diseases that stem from aging. When your systems get older, protein, DNA will start to age and see the damage. It was previously implied that fasting can help strengthen our genes and cell’s lifespan - which does inject a little more vitality into our immunity than many other ways of fasting. By separating yourself from a regular intake of food (especially unhealthy ones), other forms of inflammation will start to reduce, which is the cause for many common illnesses that strike the elderly. Read: Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea Good for the Heart By improving blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and inflammatory markers, it’s no surprise that the heart will see benefits from these results. A high intake of sugar and fat can damage your arteries, which is where avoiding food for more than half the day will do wonders to stabilize blood flow and improve circulation. Fasting alone will not lead to complete improvement; cardiovascular activities and static exercises are good ways to reduce these risks better.