Foods to Keep You Energized During Ramadan
Ramadan begins this year on April 13th and will start a month-long celebration of fasting and feasting for the Muslim population on the Costa del Sol and around the world. One of the major aspects of Ramadan is refraining from eating and drinking during daylight hours. This means that every night once the sun goes down, large family and community feasts are often prepared to bond and build strength for the coming day. Just before sunrise, another meal is eaten again. For those celebrating Ramadan, these will be the only two meals eaten each day until May 12.
Fasting is not an easy task during our long, warm days here in the south of Spain, and especially as daily life is meant to be continued as normal. This means that during Iftar (the post-sunset meal) and Suhoor (the pre-sunrise meal), it’s important to consume high-energy foods and drinks to not only give you immediate energy you’ve lost during the day, but also provide long-lasting and slow-releasing energy to get you through the coming day again and again.
Ramadan Foods for Energy
At Leo Foods, we have an extensive stock of traditional Middle Eastern foods and drinks to adorn your table during Ramadan and keep your energy levels up all day long. Even if you aren’t Muslim or celebrating the Ramadan holiday, you may want to consider these foods for a pre- or post-workout meal or snack, too!
Dates are traditional Iftar food for a reason! Dates contain high amounts of natural sugars which you body needs to replenish after a day of fasting. Other nutritious foods with high natural sugar content include fruit (fresh or frozen), milk or milk alternatives, molasses (including pomegranate molasses), dried apricots, and honey.
Fibre-rich foods are digested slowly so you can keep your energy levels up all day long. They are a perfect start to your day, so consider oatmeal, sesame seeds, apricots, prunes, figs, bananas, avocados, lentils, foul, chickpeas, quinoa, almonds, and chia seeds as part of your suhoor meal.
One of the biggest effects of anemia (iron-deficiency) is lethargy, so make sure you’re eating plenty of iron-rich foods in both your Iftar and Suhoor meals. Foods high in iron include spinach, soy beans, lentils, kidney beans, black beans, red meat, pumpkin seeds, quinoa, dark chocolate and fish.
Green tea has thermogenic properties, meaning drinking it can encourage your body to utilize fat for energy in place of merely carbohydrates, giving you an additional source of energy during you fasts. Turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, mustard, chicken, coconut oil, and mushrooms are also all known to offer thermogenic effects on the body and are a great addition to both your Iftar and Suhoor meals.
Nuts and nut butters contain plenty of healthy fats that give both instant energy boosts as well as sustained levels of energy. For an extra-energy boost, soak nuts overnight to start the germination process making them easier to digest. Similar benefits can be achieved by eating olives or olive oil, avocados, flaxseed, dark chocolate, or coconut -so go ahead and enjoy some healthy but yummy fatty foods this Ramadan!
Protein is an essential ingredient in your Ramadan meals, especially at Suhoor, because it gives you a slow release of energy and stamina to sustain your body. Chickpeas, tofu, beans, greek yoghurt, almonds, quinoa, lentils, pumpkin seeds, oatmeal, and peanuts or peanut butter are high in protein, making you feel fuller, longer -helping you avoid that dreaded mid-day slump. A quick scoop of protein powder added to your suhoor smoothie or oats is also a great way to get this important nutrient into your Ramadan diet without weighing you down.
Caffeine is a known stimulant and appetite suppressant so coffee is commonly enjoyed during Ramadan for an instant burst of energy, especially on particularly difficult days. But if coffee isn’t your preferred caffeine-infused pick-me-up, try getting a quick-fix at your Iftar table with acai, green or black tea, or dark chocolate.
Ramadan Drinks Retailer
Hydration is just as important as food when it comes to staying energized during Ramadan so make sure you’re eating plenty of water-rich foods like vegetables, soups, and salads; and drinking plenty of hydrating drinks including fruit smoothies or juices, water, coconut water, coffee or tea.
Visit our cash and carry warehouse in Marbella to explore our extensive range of traditional Arabic and Middle Eastern foods as well as other international foods from around the world, guaranteed to keep you full, happy and energised all month long! Our eShop is also now open so you can order your needed ingredients for all your Ramadan meals and feasts from the comfort of your own home, minimal energy required! Visit https://shop.interleo.com/ to get your order in and have it delivered straight to your doorstep!
From all of us at Leo Foods, we wish you a blessed Ramadan.
