ANN/THE DAILY STAR – As Ramadhan nears its end, the excitement for Hari Raya celebrations grows, but the challenges of fasting during the heat become more pronounced. After long hours of fasting, dehydration can easily become a concern, especially with rising temperatures.
While preparing for the upcoming Hari Raya feasts, it’s essential to focus on staying hydrated during Ramadhan, not just for energy, but for overall well-being. Incorporating water-rich fruits and refreshing drinks into your sahur and iftar meals can help replenish lost fluids and keep you feeling revitalised.
This Ramadhan, thirst has likely been a greater challenge than hunger for many.
Yet, despite the intense thirst, many don’t track their liquid intake, leading to dehydration and potential health issues.
Prioritising hydration in the final days of Ramadhan will ensure you stay healthy and energised, ready for the joyous celebrations of Hari Raya.
From maintaining the right balance of electrolytes to providing the right nutrients, the role of water is crucial!
Thus, after continuous fasting, you may find yourself constantly parched and dehydrated.
Forgetting to drink enough fluids during Ramadhan is hardly uncommon, given that most of the non-fast time is also the time we sleep.
So, how do you stay hydrated during Ramadhan?
The simplest solution – drink plenty of water! Break your fast with at least one glass, and keep sipping throughout the night. Avoid chugging too much at once.
Finally, drink around two glasses of water during sahur to stay hydrated throughout the day.
If you are not a fond of drinking water, don’t worry!
There are plenty of fruits and vegetables with high water content that you could try instead.
Opt for fruits like watermelons, and oranges or finish your iftar with vegetable soup.
Alternatively, put a few lemon slices or mint leaves into your water for a fresh, subtle flavour.
No matter how much of a coffee-addict or a tea-lover you are, Ramadhan is the time to refrain from these!
Stimulant drinks act as diuretics and can cause dehydration faster. If you are worried about weight gain during Ramadhan, stay away from calorie-rich sugary drinks during iftar and stick to plain lemon water or cucumber water!
Our body can be dehydrated due to excess sweating while travelling in hot and humid weather and surroundings. Oral rehydration saline can be of great use in this regard. We often forget about this simple measure.
Alternatively, take plenty of liquid like water, green coconut water, juice etc while heading home for a joyous Hari Raya. Be careful about drinking safe water and a good source of liquids like juice and drinks, otherwise, they can be harmful causing diarrhoea and other waterborne diseases.
Hari Raya in hot weather calls for a feast that balances indulgence with hydration. Traditional dishes are essential, but it’s equally important to include cooling foods and drinks. Fresh fruit platters, yogurt-based drinks and refreshing food help beat the heat while aiding digestion.
Hydration is key after a month of fasting, so sipping on infused water, coconut water, or lemonade throughout the day can prevent dehydration.
A well-rounded Hari Raya feast not only satisfies the taste buds but also keeps the body refreshed and energised in the heat.
