How is Ramadan a time to reflect on the soul, spirituality, and an excellent chance for the body to heal? Well, it’s the holiest month for Muslims worldwide, and all the practices followed during this month have a positive effect on our bodies. Whether praying or fasting from dawn till sunset, its outcome in our daily lives is fantastic.
Ramadan in the UAE is nothing different. However, the major problem that people who follow a gluten free diet face is preparing food during this period for Iftar & Suhoor.
If you’re looking for healthy Ramadan tips and want a smooth and healthy lifestyle during this month while being on a gluten free diet, here are some tips that you can follow during Ramadan in the United Arab Emirates.
Health tips for smooth and healthy gluten free Ramadan in the UAE
Most of the foods at Iftar contain gluten, but that doesn’t stop us from having a wonderful, healthy Ramadan. For a peaceful Ramadan in the UAE, here are some healthy tips that are beneficial:
Drinking plenty of water between Iftar and Suhoor:
Staying hydrated is essential to have a comfortable fast and live your day to accomplish your daily tasks efficiently. It is advised to drink eight glasses of water between Iftar and Suhoor.
Another way of taking in water is by eating fluid-rich foods. Foods like yogurt, soups, stews, fruits, and vegetables such as watermelon and cucumber are rich in fluids and help us stay hydrated.
You should avoid salty foods as salt increases thirst throughout the day.
Replace desserts with fresh fruits:
Fruits contain the essential vitamins and minerals needed that help in the proper functioning of the body while fasting.
They are also a way to hydrate the body, especially in the warm weather in the UAE.
The fiber present in fruits helps digestion and passing out the waste materials. For people that are gluten sensitive, these fibers help in bowel movements and digestion.
On the other hand, desserts increase thirst, and fasting becomes a little complicated, keeping in mind that the number of meals also decreases.
Exercise lightly before Iftar for a healthy Ramadan:
Keeping your body fit is always great for its proper functioning. It has been noted that exercising increases the body’s metabolism, which helps digest food. This is helpful for people on a gluten free diet.
It should be kept in mind that Ramadan in the UAE, with its hot weather, is difficult, and you don’t want to drain yourself by exercising too hard.
Exercising lightly before Iftar and walking for 15 to 20 minutes after the meal will prevent weight problems and keep your body in great shape to have a healthy Ramadan.
Reduce consuming drinks that contain caffeine:
Hot weather conditions in the United Arab Emirates mean that Ramadan in the UAE is not easy. It would be best to drink plenty of water and hydrating drinks such as fresh fruit juices and traditional Ramadan drinks like Qamar AlDeen and Julab.
Decreasing the intake of caffeine drinks, such as tea, and coffee is also necessary. This is because caffeine causes the removal of water from your body which leads to digestive problems and increased thirst.
Eating light food during Suhoor and Iftar:
People consuming a gluten free diet should increase the number of meals between Iftar and Suhoor to prevent digestive problems.
– Dairy (or plant alternatives), leafy greens, and protein are advised to consume during Suhoor.
– Gluten free bread or gluten-free oatmeal is a great option that provides people with a sense of fullness throughout the day.
– Eating some fruits throughout the evening, especially in the warm weather of the UAE.
– In Iftar, if you follow a gluten free diet, start with light vegetables or soup, take a break for 15 or 30 minutes, and then carry on with a light meal.
These are some tips for people looking to have a healthy Ramadan while on a gluten free diet.
What foods can you enjoy in Ramadan while on a gluten free diet?
If you’re on a gluten free diet, you can still enjoy the traditional Ramadan food such as Lgaimat, sambosa, and qatayef, which can be found in our selection and our business friends (licensed businesses).
- Our Lqaimat Mix from Treat Me Gluten Free: It’s gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, and simple to prepare by just adding water. Purchase here
- Samosa, Kunafa, and Qatayef from our friends at “Gluten-Free My Bakery” Click here
- Samosa from our friends at “No Gluten” Click here
- Vimto healthy replacement from our friends at “Greenz” Click here
- Tawa Bakery has a selection of frozen pastries. Click here
- Sinless Bakery has a Ramadan special menu. Click here
Share with us in the comments if you encounter any other businesses that offer the Ramadan menu!
Remember, you can always enjoy Ramadan even on a gluten free diet!
Living outside the UAE? You can also enjoy our products by placing your order from our page on “The Saffron Souk” Click here
To know more about what is gluten-free and what is the gluten free diet, click here.
