Sadaf Shaikh
You’ve probably heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. This applies to Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) much more – so avoid skipping it to keep up your energy in Ramadan.
The Prophet (pbuh) said “Eat suhoor, for in suhoor there is blessing.” (Bukhaari, Muslim)
It’s nourishment is what will help you feel sustained and energized throughout your fast – that is, if you choose the right foods!
Timing
You should aim to have suhoor as close as possible to the fajr (dawn prayer). An early suhoor means you’re just making the fast even longer – and we don’t want that!
The Prophet (pbuh) said: “My Ummah (nation of followers) will not cease being upon goodness as long as they hasten in breaking the fast and delay the suhoor.” (Authentic, Musnad Imam Ahmad).
What should I have to keep up energy in Ramadan?
It’s essential to have a balanced meal with complex carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats. Our body needs all three macronutrients, each playing important roles.
Missing out on a macronutrient can have negative consequences such as feeling hungry, losing muscle, or having low blood sugars (leading to headaches, dizziness, fatigue, etc) [1].
Carbohydrates
Our brain’s main source of energy is glucose [2]. Most people think of carbs as white bread and potatoes, yet they forget that carbs include fruits, starchy vegetables, whole grains and yogurt.
They’re rich in vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants – all of which will nourish your body and help you keep up energy in Ramadan.
Have carbohydrates with a low glycemic index. The body takes a longer time to break down these carbohydrates and will raise blood sugars more slowly [3].
This means you can feel full for longer while avoiding a huge spike in blood sugar followed by a sudden crash.
Examples: whole grains (ex. overnight oats, muesli, protein pancakes with oats, homemade bran muffins, sareen, bulgur, barley), whole grain or whole wheat breads (ex. pita, chapati, laxoox, enjeero), beans and lentils (ex. daal, ful), fruit (ex. berries, peach), plain yogurt, milk or even sweet potato.
For healthy suhoor recipes get a copy of the 50 Ramadan Recipes E-book.
Protein
Protein is essential to build and repair muscle, hair, skin, nails, hormones, and antibodies [4]. It’s also a source of energy.
Have protein to help you feel full for longer and retain energy in Ramadan.
Choose eggs, beans, lentils, greek yogurt, nut/nut butters, seeds and tofu. You can also choose meat options, such as lean poultry, fish, or beef.
Ex. frittatas, protein pancakes, greek yogurt smoothies, egg or chicken wraps/burritos, ful (fava beans), oatmeal with peanut butter or chopped nuts.
Healthy Fats
Fats contain the most energy per gram when compared to protein and carbs. They’re also essential in absorbing fat soluble vitamins. However, not all fats are created equal.
Have healthy unsaturated fats to help you feel full. Choose nuts, seeds, avocado, fatty fish, and unsaturated vegetable oils (olive, canola, flaxseed, sunflower, etc).
An example of a balanced suhoor: Vegetable frittata made with olive oil + whole grain bread + a cup of berries + water.
How can I stay hydrated in Ramadan?
Water is your best choice of drink. The Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h. encouraged having water at suhoor.
“Have Suhoor even if it is a mouthful of water.” (Ibn Hibban)
Our bodies are mostly made up of water, using it for digestion, removing wastes, transporting nutrients, regulating blood pressure, and much more [5]. So you can see why it’s essential to stay hydrated.
I usually recommend clients to have at least 2 cups (500ml) of water at suhoor, preferably after you eat. This is because you want to avoid filling up on fluid before your meal (your main source of energy and nutrients).
What if I really can’t eat early in the morning?
If you’re someone who doesn’t feel like having any food that early in the morning, then soups or smoothies are your friend.
Soups or smoothies can be rich in energy, protein, vitamins, minerals, fibre, and healthy fats.
Consider adding the following to your smoothies*:
For Protein:
- Greek yogurt
- Protein powder
- Hemphearts
- Peanut butter
- Chia seeds
For Healthy fats:
- Hemphearts /chia seed
- Ground flaxseed
- Peanut butter
- Avocado
- Nuts
- Seeds
For Fibre, Vitamins and Minerals
- Fruits (berries, melon, peach, pineapple, banana, etc.)
- Leafy greens (spinach, kale, etc.)
Consider soups* with the following:
- Lentils and beans (ex. Red lentil, blackbean)
- Peas (ex. Pigeon pea, split pea, chickpea)
- Vegetables (ex. Butternut squash, red bell pepper, carrot)
- Whole grains (ex. Barley, bulgur, whole grain pasta)
- Lean poultry (ex. Skinless chicken, turkey)
*It’s best to have a mix of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats for a balanced suhoor.
Suhoor is a sunnah, has barakah and can really help you feel more energized throughout your fast. So plan ahead and have suhoor to feel your best in this blessed month.
May you have a nutritious and enriching Ramadan.
