Let’s be real, fasting isn’t exactly a walk in the park. But with Ramadan approaching, many of us are gearing up for a month of sunrise-to-sunset fasting. Whether you’re a fasting veteran or a nervous newcomer, these practical tips will help you stay energized (and keep your sense of humor) during your fasting journey.
Master the Art of the Power Suhoor
Think of suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) as your secret weapon. Loading up on plain white rice might seem tempting, but it’s like filling your car with the wrong fuel. Instead, become best friends with foods that release energy slowly: oatmeal, eggs, yogurt, and those trusty beans. Yes, beans might not be the most glamorous breakfast choice, but they’ll stick with you longer than that tempting plate of pancakes.
The Water Game: Playing it Smart
Remember that friend who tries to drink eight glasses of water five minutes before fasting begins? Don’t be that friend. Start hydrating well before Ramadan. Space out your water intake during non-fasting hours instead of turning yourself into a human water balloon at suhoor. Your bladder will thank you during those early morning prayers.
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Dodge the “Food Police”
We all know that one colleague who loves to describe their lunch in vivid detail while you’re fasting. Instead of plotting their downfall, use this as an opportunity to practice patience (or perfect your selective hearing). Better yet, ask them to save their food reviews for after sunset – you might score an iftar invitation!
The Nap Trap
That overwhelming urge to nap after work isn’t just in your head. But before you turn your office desk into a makeshift bed, try some alternatives. A short walk, even just around your office, can boost your energy. If you must nap, keep it short – think power nap, not hibernation.
Kitchen Prep: Your Future Self Will Thank You
Here’s a pro tip: prep your iftar meals when you’re not hungry. Trying to cook while fasting is like going grocery shopping on an empty stomach – everything looks good, and suddenly you’re planning to cook enough for a small army. Cook and freeze meals ahead of time, so when iftar comes, you’re not wrestling with pots and pans while your stomach stages a protest.
The Social Media Fast
Consider taking a break from those food videos that flood your socials. Nothing tests your willpower quite like watching someone showing off their latest Jollof recipe at 2 PM while you’re fasting. Maybe use that time to catch up on work, read a book, or do literally anything else that doesn’t involve watching people eat. Remember, fasting is as much about spiritual growth as it is about physical discipline. But that doesn’t mean we can’t be smart (and occasionally funny) about how we handle it. These days of hunger might feel long, but they’re teaching us patience, empathy, and apparently, creative ways to distract ourselves from thinking about food.
And hey, if all else fails, remember: sunset will come. It always does. Until then, may your fasts be easy, your patience be strong, and your sense of humor remain intact.
Signed: Your Guy.
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