With Ramadan 2024 just around the corner, Muslims worldwide are bracing themselves to take full advantage of the blessings and mercy bestowed upon the holy month by the Almighty Creator. Ramadan is a month when Muslims may be granted pardon and reprieve for all their past transgressions, thus enabling them to return to a state of purity and start their journey anew.

However, not all Muslims are afforded this divine pardon. To acquire the blessings of Ramadhan, they must first prove themselves worthy by completing (or at least attempting to complete) one of the five pillars of Islam, namely, the Ramadan fast. Muslims believe that by performing this month-long fast, their submission to God may reach its zenith as their minds and bodies are cleansed of impurities.

For a successful Ramadan fast, here are our tips for a fulfilling suhoor; what to eat and how you can stay energetic throughout the month and keep sluggishness at bay.

What is suhoor?

Suhoor, also spelled sahūr or suhur, is a pre-dawn meal consumed by Muslims before starting the day’s fast. Suhoor is arguably the most important element of a successful day’s fast since a well-balanced meal will provide you with the necessary energy to maintain your fitness level throughout the day.

What to eat for a fulfilling suhoor

Naturally, in order for you to have a healthy and well-balanced suhur, nutrition and liquid intake are the prime consideration. The following is a list of recommended nutrients to be incorporated into your pre-dawn meal.

Complex carbs

A healthy suhoor menu should always consist of complex carbs. Complex carbs take a long time to digest, which essentially means that they will provide the body with energy for a longer period of time. You won’t get hungry as easily, and you’ll find that this good type of carbohydrate will help you remain active throughout the day. Complex carbs can be found in brown rice, whole wheat bread, potatoes, corn and oats.

By the same token, you should avoid consuming simple carbs, such as white rice, white bread or granulated sugar. These simple carbs are easily digested, thus elevating your blood sugar levels and making you more prone to hunger. Foods like these should be avoided like the plague by diabetics.

Vegetables and fruits

Apart from complex carbs, it is also advisable to consume vegetables and fruits during suhoor. Because they contain lots of fiber, the consumption of fruits and vegetables will allow you to maintain satiety and prevent constipation.

Additionally, vegetables and fruits contain a lot of vitamins and minerals which are good for the body. We recommend you consume whole vegetables and fruit as opposed to processed or juiced ones, as they will significantly reduce their nutrient content.

Protein

Avoid neglecting a good protein intake such as skinless chicken, fish, and low-fat dairy products. A good protein intake is useful in helping you feel satiated for longer.

In addition, protein is also a vital component in repairing and rebuilding body tissues as well as increasing the body’s immune system. Consuming dairy products that are high in calcium will also help strengthen bones.

Water and mineral

Last but certainly not least, good old-fashioned plain water. Make sure to drink a good amount of water to keep yourself hydrated and avoid excessive thirst throughout the day. Avoid sugary water the likes of bottled juices and soft drinks because not only are they unhealthy, but they also won’t help you stave off thirst for long.

Avoid skipping suhoor

Sahur is a necessary prerequisite for those intending to complete the day’s fast. It is, therefore, unwise for anyone to skip suhoor as it would potentially be detrimental to their health. Skipping suhoor means denying the body’s needs for nutrition and fluid; you will more than likely experience dehydration, sluggishness, and lack of concentration, which may ultimately lead to you failing your fast.