Fasting during Ramadan can come with many benefits but it’s also pretty challenging. With the change of routine and eating habits, it’s normal for Malaysians to get tired easily during this period. So, to help you stay energised this month, we’ve compiled a few tips that you can do to give yourself an energy boost while fasting!
1. Go to bed by 10PM so you can get enough sleep to wake up for sahur
As we know, fasting Malaysians would get up for a pre-dawn meal (sahur) to prep themselves for the day. With this new routine, it’s easy to get a bit sleep-deprived when you’re fasting and sleep deprivation can actually increase your appetite. So, to avoid this, make sure to go to bed by 10PM so that your body can get a healthy amount of sleep every night.
2. Drink a kurma & oats smoothie during sahur to keep you feeling full
To maintain your productivity when you’re fasting, it’s important to consume carbohydrates during sahur to supply energy to your body. One yummy source of carbohydrates that you can try is a kurma and oats smoothie. Not only is it delicious, but it can give you an energy boost, thanks to these ingredients:
- Oats: This type of wholegrain carbohydrate is rich in fibre which helps to release energy to your body slowly and make you feel fuller and more energised for longer.
- Kurma: This superfood can provide various essential nutrients (vitamins, fibre, carbohydrates, etc) to your body and it also helps with energy regulation.
- Banana (optional): Another superfood that is a good source of potassium (that helps to suppress thirst) and is rich in fibre and resistant starch (which can keep you full for longer).
Just follow this easy peasy recipe to make your own smoothie!
3. Can’t have lunch? Take a mid-day power nap instead
Since you’re not able to take a lunch break during Ramadan, why not utilise this time to take a quick 20-minute nap instead? 20 minutes, not two hours!
Power naps are proven to improve alertness and cognitive function. It will also allow your body to relax and recuperate so that by the time you wake up from a nap, your body will feel more energised and ready to go about your day.
4. Go on a light walk before iftar to avoid fatigue
If you think limiting movements while fasting can help retain your energy, you’re actually making your body feel more lethargic! By staying idle, it can decrease your metabolic rate which will lead to a drop in energy levels.
By engaging in light activities, such as going on a brisk walk or doing stretches, you can boost circulation and maintain a higher energy level for a more positive fasting experience.
5. Take multivitamins & B-group vitamins to help boost your energy level
It’s no secret that you may experience some nutritional gaps in the fasting month as you’re not able to drink or eat for a whole day. It’s also normal if you find it hard to get your daily routines done normally. This is why it is helpful to consume supplements such as multivitamins (for more energy) and B-group vitamins (to improve brain alertness) during Ramadan so you can still obtain the nutrients you need to function normally when you’re fasting.
Here’s how they can help:
- Multivitamins – They are usually formulated with an array of essential nutrients which means they can help to fill in any nutritional gaps you might experience when you’re fasting. Plus, the vitamins can also promote energy production which can help to boost your daily productivity.
- B-group vitamins – These are meant to convert food into energy and it also makes sure that your body’s cells are functioning properly to keep you healthy. This is why consuming this supplement while fasting can be helpful to keep you feeling more alert and energised to carry out your daily routines.
Other than prioritising the formulation, don’t forget to choose supplements that are halal-certified and contain no added artificial ingredients so that you can consume them with confidence.
Not sure which brand would be good? You can try checking out Blackmores’ products which can be easily found at your nearest pharmacies. You can find out more about their products by visiting Blackmores website here.
Did you find any tips that you would like to adopt into your daily routine this fasting month? Whether you start by doing light exercises or consuming supplements, we hope you can find a routine that will keep you feeling energised so that you can make the best of this fasting month. Happy fasting, folks!
What other helpful supplements do you take during Ramadan? Share with us below!
Stay healthy during Ramadan and Raya season, everyone! 😉
