During Ramadan, Suhoor meal is not less important than Iftar meal as it helps the body to fast and to endure the hardships of fasting said the dieticians at Primary Health Care Centre.
Moudi Al-Hajri, Dietetics Manager at PHCC, noted that some fasting people do not care about Suhoor meal, and are satisfied with Iftar meal. Some just cancel this meal thinking that canceling it may reduce their weight or help them lose some kilograms, which is a misconception. This meal is of great importance to the body, providing the energy necessary to continue fasting the next day without fatigue, exhaustion, and hunger, according to a number of specialists in nutrition.
"During this period, we have to choose the right food, stay away from foods that make us feel full directly, harm us, and deprive us of eating other foods. Therefore, you should choose a healthy Iftar and nutritious soup, drink enough water, keep away from foods that cause bloating, and eat small and light meals.” She added.
“To enable the body to continue fasting for many hours during the next day, it is important "in Suhoor” to drink a lot of fluids that give energy to the body, the most important is water. It is better to drink water half an hour before eating the meal and not during the meal to avoid feeling full quickly. Suhoor must be a complete meal consisting of the whole carbohydrates necessary for the body including, for example, whole wheat bread, cheese and milk, a little olive oil, high-fat foods, vegetables, and a cup of milk. It is also recommended to eat fruits with its peel, especially those rich in fiber and potassium such as peaches and apples, and those that make you feel full, including bananas which give energy to the body, or two dates.
Bananas, dates, and honey are natural sources of sugar that do not turn into fats, supply the body with sugar and does not lead to weight gain. In addition, it is preferable to keep away from juices because they are full of sugar and colored materials and make the fasting person feels hungry the next day. Desserts are not harmful during Suhoor for those who do not have diabetes, while people with excess weight should eat small amounts of course and after eating other foods.” She said.
Finally, Al-Hajri recommends eating kanafeh, manakish and croissant once a week on suhoor for people with normal weight and advise fasting persons to avoid soft drinks during suhoor as it causes bloating and is certainly non-nutritious, and avoid as well full-fat foods. It is also recommended to eat a half piece of avocado because it is rich in saturated fats and a handful of raw nuts.
The doctor adds that one should eat sweets only three hours after Iftar and not with suhoor. It should be cooked with low-fat milk, sugar ornament, diet sugar or natural honey with no addition of fat and ghee but baked in the oven without any fat. It should not be eaten on a daily basis but on a weekly basis and can be replaced with fruits, dates, natural juices and nuts.