Tips for healthy Ramadan fasting

Changes to your eating and sleeping habits during Ramadan can be challenging, but with some advance planning and adjustments to your routine, you can minimise the disruption.

One important step is to plan your meals in advance. This can help you avoid overeating and gain weight during Ramadan. Identify the meals you want to prepare each day and introduce healthy dishes or cooking methods to your routine.

If you have any health concerns, it's always recommended to consult your doctor. This is especially important for those with ongoing medical conditions. You can discuss whether it's advisable for you to fast during the holy month, as some medical conditions are exempt from fasting. 

Limiting your food intake, cutting back on caffeine and gradually adjusting your sleep pattern can also help prepare your body and mind for Ramadan.

Consider scaling back the intensity of your exercise routine and planning your workouts in advance. 

During the holy month, people with diabetes can face issues and need to be even more careful. Ramadan fasting can affect blood sugar levels, causing high or low blood sugar levels depending on the timing and size of meals. Insulin doses and medication timings may need to be adjusted, and it's important for people with diabetes to talk to their healthcare provider before fasting.

Clinical dietitian Mitun DeSarkar spoke to ARN News about how to respond to low blood sugar readings.

Monitoring blood sugar levels regularly and seeking medical help if needed is also crucial.

DeSarkar also explained how to be safe while exercising.


By taking these steps, you can make the most of the holy month and minimise any disruption to your mind and body.