How to enjoy a healthy Iftar

Iftar not only represents the ending of the day-long fast but is also considered an opportunity to partake of an evening meal with family and friends-recollecting on all things to be thankful for. We should, however, also remember that partaking Iftar is also about eating a totally balanced meal to allow our bodies to be in good health during the entire holy month.
To help us eat healthy during Ramadan, Shouq Shashaa, clinical dietician at Prime Hospital, shares some key tips to follow:
> Plan your meals for the whole month to ensure that all food to be served is both healthy and nutritious.
> Always start your meal with two dates, a glass of water followed by a warm bowl of soup, salad and the main course. Eat moderately.
> Consume only a moderate quantity of the main course--one that could be a good source of carbohydrates like rice, pasta, potatoes or burghul, as well as protein rich foods such as beef, chicken or fish.
> Avoid sodas and drink fruit juices instead.
> Stay away from high-fat, high-sugar, highly-processed food. Also avoid salty food as this can cause dehydration and make you feel thirsty throughout the next day.
> Focus on foods with slow-release carbohydrates, which is a good source to keep you energized during fasting.
> Staying well hydrated and eating high fibre dishes will help prevent constipation during fasting.
> Foods rich with fibre and protein will keep you feeling full longer.
> Eating salads, cereals, fruit and vegetables are a good replacement for oily and fried food.
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