World

Ramadan: Experts share top tips for healthy eating during fasting month

As Muslims around the world are preparing for Ramadan, Al Arabiya English has put together top nutrition tips to ensure that this year’s holy month is a mindful one while enjoying all the spiritual growth this month has to offer.
For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
Experts based in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates recommend healthy balanced meals for Iftar and Suhoor, offer ways to stay hydrated and call on those fasting to set realistic goals for the holy month.
So here are the top tips for Ramadan 2023:

Best ways to break your fast, don’t skip your meals

After fasting for the whole day, it is important for people to break their fast properly to ensure getting all the nutrients needed during Iftar.
The key to this, according to Riyadh-based Clinical dietitian Nour Amaneddine, is through a well-balanced meal.
Amaneddine recommended breaking the fast by “drinking water first and then eating dates [because this] can help stabilize blood sugar.”
Soups, which are a must on Iftar tables, are important because they help the body replenish the fluids lost while fasting.
Amaneddine also noted that having soup prepares the digestive system for the upcoming meals and helps maintain a healthy digestive system.
As for the main meal, in addition to vegetables and salads, the Iftar plate should include a source of protein and carbohydrates.
Amaneddine said that good options of carbohydrates would be complex carbs such as quinoa, chickpeas, lentils, legumes, whole grain, brown pasta, brown rice and burghul.

“These complex carbohydrates are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber that provide the body with the energy needed after fasting hours,” she said.
The main meal should also constitute of a source of protein such as fish, chicken, lean meat, yogurt, eggs and cheese.
“After long hours of fasting, proteins help preserve the muscles because they contain a variety of amino acids that are critical to maintaining and producing muscle mass.”
Don’t be afraid of incorporating sources of healthy fats as Amaneddine said that a small amount of fat is important for a healthy balanced meal.
Examples of healthy fats include olive oil, avocado, nuts and seeds.
“Some vitamins require fat to dissolve into your bloodstream and provide nutrients,” she explained.
Ramadan sweets, however, can be a weakness for many during the holy month.

An Iraqi man prepares sweets, ahead of the holy fasting month of Ramadan in a sweet shop in Najaf, Iraq May 5, 2019. REUTERS/Alaa Al-Marjani

Head Dietitian at Dubai’s Gargash hospital Lama Sinjer said that despite the temptation to indulge, one should try having fruits instead or a light dessert.
Sinjer also called on those fasting not to skip any meal be it Iftar or Suhoor.
Suhoor, which is the last meal that Muslims can have before fasting again for the day, should also be a balanced one.
“A person can have a sandwich such labneh and cucumber. Bananas are a good option because potassium is also important to be consumed before fasting,” she said.
Other Suhoor options can be lentils with bread or any protein with dairy products.

Avoid sugary drinks as a source for hydration

Highlighting the significance of staying hydrated, both Sinjer and Amaneddine said that water should be the first source of hydration when breaking the fast.
The recommendation is to drink on average eight to 10 cups of water after breaking the fast and until Suhoor time.

A man prepares a traditional drink to be sold during Ramadan in the opposition-held besieged eastern Damascus suburb of Ghouta, Syria May 28, 2017. (Reuters)

Avoid drinking popular Ramadan drinks such as jallab, tamereddine and amareddine because they are high in sugar and calories. Yoghurt and milk are also recommended.
In addition to soups being a great way to ensure hydration, fruits and vegetables are another way to compensate for the water lost during the day. Some examples are cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, bell pepper, strawberries and watermelon.

Moderation is key for Ramadan

While Ramadan is an occasion to reconnect with family and friends, many tend to focus on food during the holy month of Ramadan which can be harmful, both Amaneddine and Sinjer said.

A girl prays during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan in Amman September 24, 2006. (Reuters)

“Ramadan can be a chance to decrease eating junk food and enjoy healthy options with your family,” Amaneddine said.
“Even though there are many delicious sweets [served] during Ramadan, you can still enjoy them in moderation. You can [view] this month [as a stepping stone] to start eating slowly and mindfully.”
Focusing on activities that don’t involve food or eating is also very helpful.
Exercising or any form of physical activity is encouraged and can help those fasting ensure a healthy lifestyle.
Sinjer recommended exercising two hours after having Iftar, while Amaneddine added that brisk walking or running is also a way to incorporate exercise into the routine.
“To [prevent feeling] tired and to get used to fasting the first few days, I recommend keeping workouts light during daylight hours, like going on a brisk walk, and save any higher intensity workouts until after Iftar,” she said.
“One of the key considerations when exercising during Ramadan is how your body feels in a fasted state. So mostly do what makes you feel better and don’t stress your body on a specific timing for exercise.”

Don’t be too hard on yourself and do not set unrealistic goals

For some, Ramadan can be a chance to set out some resolutions such as losing weight or getting rid of unhealthy habits.
The best approach, however, is to keep the goals realistic and not setting high expectations that won’t be fulfilled during this period.
“Unfortunately, some people after Ramadan go back to their old habits, but this is because they set unrealistic goals and make changes that are dramatic and unsustainable during this month,” Amaneddine said.

A man works on a Fanoos, or a Ramadan lantern used during the Muslim fasting month, as he puts them up for sale at his shop in Amman September 11, 2007. Ramadan is when the faithful fast from dawn until dusk. (Reuters)

Lifestyle changes should be made for the long term and shouldn’t be confined to a specific period.
“What you need to focus on are changes that you can continue with even when Ramadan ends.”
Weight loss is one of those expectations.
Sinjer said that losing weight during Ramadan should be done wisely because it can get tricky after the holy month ends.
“Do not cut down on Suhoor or just restrict yourself from food because trust me you will lose muscles and water and once Ramadan is over, you will gain all the weight back and sometimes you are at risk of regaining even more weight,” she said.
“So, benefit from this month in cleaning and detoxifying your body.”
Read more:
Ramadan likely to begin on March 23: UAE’s International Astronomical Center
Ramadan: Five ways to feel energized throughout the holy month

Ramadan in UAE: Timing changes, free parking, working hours – all you need to know

World

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi meets with CEOs of leading Norwegian companies

H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has met with a group of CEOs from leading Norwegian companies, as part of their participation in the UAE-Norway Investment Forum, held alongside his official visit to the Kingdom of Norway.

During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed underscored the UAE leadership’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with its international partners.

He highlighted that investment in innovation and knowledge is a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development, noting that enhancing collaboration with Norwegian companies across key sectors will open new avenues for mutual economic growth between the two countries.

The UAE-Norway Investment Forum, taking place in Oslo, aimed to highlight available investment opportunities and strengthen trade relations between the UAE and Norway, fostering shared interests and supporting innovation and knowledge-based economic visions.

-wam

World

At the Indonesia International Book Fair 2024, TRENDS inaugurates 10th global office, releases four books

As part of its Asian research tour, partnership with Aletihad News Center, and
primary sponsorship of the Indonesia International Book Fair 2024, TRENDS
Research & Advisory inaugurated its office in Jakarta, marking its 10th location
worldwide. It also released four books in Indonesian.
The inauguration event was attended by ambassadors of the UAE, Bahrain, and
Jordan to Indonesia, chairpersons of the UAE and Indonesian Publishers’
Associations, the Director of TRENDS’ Jakarta office, and a group of researchers
and academics.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS
Research & Advisory, stated that TRENDS’ international offices—set to reach 15
by the end of 2024—aim to enhance the Center’s research efforts and deepen its
role in disseminating knowledge, thus serving as a global knowledge bridge.
He emphasized, “At TRENDS, we believe in the importance of cooperation
between think tanks and prioritize this endeavor. We believe the TRENDS office in
Jakarta will enhance the exchange of knowledge and ideas between think tanks in
Asia and the Middle East, opening new horizons for collaboration in various
fields.”

Four books in Indonesian
As part of the Jakarta office’s inaugural activities, four books were released in
Indonesian, including the 11th and 12th books of the Muslim Brotherhood
Encyclopedia and Global Trends in AI and Automation and the Future of
Competition between Man and Machine: An Analytical Forward-looking Vision.

Hostility to Arab states
The 11th book of the Muslim Brotherhood Encyclopedia, The Concept of the State
According to the Muslim Brotherhood, highlights its hostile stance toward Arab
states since its inception. The group views them as an obstacle to its ascent to
power. It opposed the modern principles upon which these states were built,
considering them incompatible with the group’s unique interpretation of Islam,
which it claimed to embody exclusively.

Exclusion of nonconformists
The 12th book, The Muslim Brotherhood: Rejection of Tolerance and Exclusion of
Nonconformists, examines the Muslim Brotherhood’s stance towards
nonconformists, individuals, and entities. The book reveals the group’s binary view
of the world, categorizing others as allies or adversaries. It ties these relationships
to the Brotherhood’s internal power struggles and self-serving interests.

Global Trends in AI
The third book, Global Trends in AI, explores significant developments in AI and
its impact on various aspects of life, including the economy, society, and
governance. It also offers a comprehensive analysis of technological advancements
in AI, its applications across sectors, the ethical and social challenges it presents,
and its future trajectory.

Automation

The fourth book, Automation and the Future of Competition between Man and
Machine: An Analytical Forward-looking Vision, addresses the growing challenges
faced by the human workforce in the face of widespread automation and AI
applications. The book concludes that while automation presents a significant
challenge to the labor market, it simultaneously creates new opportunities. It
emphasizes the importance of preparing for this shift through skills development,
continuous education, and adopting economic and social policies that support the
workforce.

Prominent pavilion and active presence
The TRENDS’ pavilion at the Indonesia International Book Fair has attracted
numerous visitors, including academic researchers and officials, such as the
ambassadors of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, and Turkey. Additionally,
chairpersons of Arab and Indonesian publishers’ associations, authors, publishers,
and students visited the pavilion. All were impressed with and praised TRENDS’ diverse, valuable publications. They also commended TRENDS’ active
international presence and ability to address global developments with rigorous
analytical research.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali honored the esteemed guests, including
ambassadors of the UAE and Bahrain to Indonesia, Wedha Startesti Yudha,
Chairperson of the Indonesia International Book Fair Committee, Arys Hilman
Nugraha, Chairman of the Indonesian Publishers Association, and others,
presenting them with TRENDS’ publications and commemorative shields.
Additionally, he awarded TRENDS’ Research Medal to Ni Made Ayu Martini
Indonesian Deputy Minister of Marketing, Tourism and Creative Economy
It is worth noting that during its current Asian research tour, TRENDS announced
the launch of the TRENDS Research Medal, awarded to individuals who make
significant contributions to the development of scientific research and promote collaboration with TRENDS in strengthening a culture of research across various fields.

World

US determined to prevent full-scale war in Middle East, Joe Biden tells UNGA79

US President Joe Biden highlighted the US Administration’s determination to prevent a wider war that engulfs the entire Middle East region, noting that a diplomatic solution “remains the only path to lasting security to allow the residents from both countries to return to their homes on the border safely”.

In remarks he made today before the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79), the US President said, “Full-scale war is not in anyone’s interest,” adding that a diplomatic solution is still possible.

He also touched on “the rise of violence against innocent Palestinians on the West Bank”, and the need to “set the conditions for a better future”, which he said featured “a two-state solution, where the world — where Israel enjoys security and peace and full recognition and normalised relations with all its neighbours, where Palestinians live in security, dignity, and self-determination in a state of their own”.

President Biden underscored the ceasefire and hostage deal put forth by Qatar and Egypt, which the UN Security Council endorsed. He said, “Now is the time for the parties to finalise its terms, bring the hostages home,” adding that this would help ease the suffering in Gaza, and end the war.

-WAM