Numbers of nutritionists highlight the importance of replenishing, during Fotoor and Suhoor, the energy lost throughout the long hours of fasting.
PHCC nutrition specialist, Modhi al-Hajri said: “When the fast is broken at Iftar, one must ensure that the right type of food is consumed, preferably in small portions at a time. Heavy meals are to be avoided as it may take a toll on your digestive system. Choosing instead healthy and light meals such as nourishing soups and drinking lots of fluids is highly recommended.”
“A balanced and varied Suhoor should provide the body with all the essential nutrients. Drinking water half an hour before starting Suhoor is advised to avoid stomach bloating,” she explained.
Al-Hajri also specified that Suhoor meal should consist of whole starch necessary for the body, including whole wheat bread, cheese and dairy, olive oil in moderate quantities, vegetables, milk and healthy fat foods.
It is suggested to eat fruits, especially those rich in fibre, such as peaches, apples, bananas, or two dates, which supply the body with natural sugar and do not lead to weight gain.
Relying on fruit juices is not recommended as it leads to a drop-in sugar levels which eventually leads to sugar cravings the following day. Soft drinks have to be limited as well.
For people who are neither overweight nor suffering from diabetes, desserts are not harmful during Suhoor, but should be consumed moderately, at the end of the meal. “Eating Kunafa, Manaqeish, or croissant once a week is acceptable for healthy people,” added al-Hajri.
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