DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate - View Single Post - Advice needed for recent convert on preparing for first Ramadan

**ApporpSothe** · 06-15-2011, 10:56 AM

I'm looking for recommendations for a new Muslim on how to prepare for their first Ramadan. Any videos, books, articles, or advice would be appreciated.

Ok....my tips:

1. The first two to three days are the hardest; they're the days in which your body starts adjusting to not having any water or nutrients for a a considerable length of time. If you're gonna take any days off from work, school, or what have you, these are the days to do it on.

2. Cut down on caffeine consumption or the cigs (if you smoke) the week before. Having to deal with dehydration headaches are bad enough and a lot worse when also having to deal with a caffeine withdrawal (and yes, if you drink caffeine regularly, you will have withdrawals...everything is very very noticeable during Ramadan).

3. If you can, schedule yourself to sleep a bit more during the day...not too much!

It does help out quite a bit though.

4. Most important thing: have a good sized, nourishing meal before you start the fast every morning. I am talking oats, dried fruits, nuts, and stuff like that. And make sure to drink quite a bit of water during this time as well. You will notice the difference.

5. Limit the physical activity. If you're out in the sun or anything, wear a kaffiyeh dipped in water. Saw that on Dual Survival--works amazingly well. You won't even sweat in Arizona type heat (where I live).

6. When you break the fast, best thing to do is eat something sugary. At that point your blood sugar levels are quite low and boosting them up is the best way to experience a noticeable improvement. Dates are the traditional way to break your fast--for a reason. They're packed with sugar. I personally like having a Gatorade as well.

7. Cook some good foods to eat after the fast. Believe me, food never tastes better than it will after having fasted all day long.

06-15-2011, 10:56 AM	#2
ApporpSothe Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 408 Senior Member	I'm looking for recommendations for a new Muslim on how to prepare for their first Ramadan. Any videos, books, articles, or advice would be appreciated. Ok....my tips: 1. The first two to three days are the hardest; they're the days in which your body starts adjusting to not having any water or nutrients for a a considerable length of time. If you're gonna take any days off from work, school, or what have you, these are the days to do it on. 2. Cut down on caffeine consumption or the cigs (if you smoke) the week before. Having to deal with dehydration headaches are bad enough and a lot worse when also having to deal with a caffeine withdrawal (and yes, if you drink caffeine regularly, you will have withdrawals...everything is very very noticeable during Ramadan). 3. If you can, schedule yourself to sleep a bit more during the day...not too much! It does help out quite a bit though. 4. Most important thing: have a good sized, nourishing meal before you start the fast every morning. I am talking oats, dried fruits, nuts, and stuff like that. And make sure to drink quite a bit of water during this time as well. You will notice the difference. 5. Limit the physical activity. If you're out in the sun or anything, wear a kaffiyeh dipped in water. Saw that on Dual Survival--works amazingly well. You won't even sweat in Arizona type heat (where I live). 6. When you break the fast, best thing to do is eat something sugary. At that point your blood sugar levels are quite low and boosting them up is the best way to experience a noticeable improvement. Dates are the traditional way to break your fast--for a reason. They're packed with sugar. I personally like having a Gatorade as well. 7. Cook some good foods to eat after the fast. Believe me, food never tastes better than it will after having fasted all day long.
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