No one ever said Ramadan was easy. It takes a lot of willpower and a lot of time to get used to not eating 17 hours a day. Even more to do it for 30 days straight. Here are a few tips to help you get through it.
1. Suhoor
Meals consumed early in the morning by Muslims before fasting, this will make it easier your body. Your body will not want to eat as frequently as usually during Ramadan. Eating certain things like baked beans, that take longer to digest, will certainly help.
2. Stay hydrated
Keep a glass of water beside you at all times after you break your fast. Drinking frequently will ensure you never get thirsty when fasting 17 hour days in Ramadan. The water will help you during the day even now that Ramadan runs during the summer.
3. Start Slow
Break your fast with dates or soup, something small. Doing so will prevent you from becoming overly full and feeling bloated which will not help the remainder of the evening. Eating faster during Ramadan cause you are hungry will not help you. In fact it will make you only eat once cause you will be to full.
4. Willpower
Remember it is willpower you are working with, mind over matter. The American Phycology Association explain willpower over food well. Your body listens to what YOU tell it. BE STRONG and remember why you are doing this. BE BOLD and BE IN CHARGE. The body is a temple and should be treated as one. Let it know you care by showing it your in charge during Ramadan.
5. Keep Busy
Build your community, head to your local Mosque and make new friends. It becomes much easier when you are around people who feels the same way about Ramadan.
Always remember it is only for a few hours each day for 30 days. Most people do it for life, because they have no choice.
