Having not fasted for the past four years, I just knew that I had to approach this Ramadan differently as now I myself am a different person.
The last time I fasted during Ramadan was pretty much as a ‘singleton’ just out of uni enjoying her summer holidays as well as wedding planning! But pretty much responsibility-less, if I’m being totally honest.
Now I am a whole different person, I am still me just with a few additions such as working full time as well as being a Mum of a toddler. Therefore, I knew that I could not continue on with the same habits, for example, I could not just wake up for Sehri (pre dawn meal) and only just have toast like I always use too.
So these are the changes I’ve made that I do feel are making a difference.
Healthy Ramadan
Can you believe that it’s been over a week now and I haven’t even had a single bite of samosa or a pakoda (fritters), I haven’t had anything that has been deep fried?
Wait, hold on!
Isn’t Ramadan all about samosas and feasting, no?
Sadly, when Ramadan comes round all people can think about is how they’ll stuff their faces and with what during Iftaar (breaking of the fast at sunset). This is the furthest we can be from the meaning of this month which is about thinking of those less fortunate than us, who aren’t able to eat as much as they’d like too.
Adopting a Healthy Ramadan approach, I’m not only benefitting myself and my body but also trying to reflect on what this month is all about.
For Sehri, I’ve been having porridge and fruit and I feel that it has been helping a lot as I don’t feel hungry nor thirsty during the day. For Iftaar, I have dates and fruit and then a proper meal which is nearly always something light and not anything fried.
Meal Plan
I always say that I am going to mean plan but I never do but for Ramadan I have. I literally sat down and made a list of dishes I’d like to try and make, we did a food shop according to the ingredients required which frankly speaking was something new as we would normally ‘just buy as you go along’ which is neither healthy for you or your pocket!
I’ve realised that having a meal plan saves you from thinking so much about food and what you are going to make for Iftaar and so you can use your time more productively.
Praying
Ramadan is the month where we try and cleanse ourselves from bad habits and bring ourselves closer to God hence people tend to pray more than the normal five daily prayers.
There are special prayers in the night called ‘Taraweeh’ which are encouraged but not compulsory. Back in the day, I use to stay up all night and pray as much as possible but now I can’t.
I need my sleep.
I work full time and have a toddler to look after so sleep is definitely a priority here. The whole point in sharing this with you is that in the beginning I felt guilt but I have reminded myself that God knows my intention, He sees what I do and go through every second of my day.
He doesn’t want me to not give my best at work. He doesn’t want me to not be the best mother to my child and He knows I can’t do all that if I’m tired and groggy all the time.
This also made me reflect that my younger self was always in competition with herself, I use to see how much I could pray but I realise now that it’s not about the quantity it’s always about the quality!
I’ve also restarted reading the Quran (people tend to read more of it as Ramadan is the month in which it was first revealed) – I will attempt to complete it before the month ends but if I can’t, I won’t be sad because of all the reasons stated above.
I do find the time to read it but only when A is asleep, I can’t be sitting, reading and ignoring my child.
People forget that motherhood is actually a form of praying too in Islam – even looking at your spouse with a smile on your face is a form of praying, so why make it hard on yourself? I know I’m trying, God knows I’m trying and that’s all what should matter.
So, these are the changes I have made to help myself be a better person this Ramadan and I honestly hope I can continue on with these changes in the coming months too.
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Have you made any changes lately that affect your lifestyle?
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