Breaking the fast of Ramadan – getting the body going … in a gentle way

[26 August 2010 - 10h16]

To avoid digestive problems, “it is strongly advised not to leap on your food after several hours of fasting”, explains Dr Giles Urbejtel (Mantes-la-Ville). The golden rule is to avoid eating when the feeling of hunger is too keen. So, what should you do? Here are a few pieces of useful advice.

To get your body going again in a gentle way, it’s best to break the fast with a drink. This could be a cup of coffee or tea, a glass of water or a glass of milk – which is what the Berbers of southern Morocco do. Then wait for a few minutes. The feeling of hunger will begin to abate and this is the right time to sit down and eat.

As on any other day of the year, avoid eating too much fat … Start with protein as this provides iron, mineral salts and trace elements. Then move on to slow-release carbohydrates (pasta, or wheat-based products). When eating a salad, slip in a small amount of essential fatty acids in the form of walnut, soya or rapeseed oil. As a general rule, eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables as these will “recharge” your body with vitamins. And drink plenty of water.

“It is entirely possible to keep to a balanced diet after fasting”, continues Dr Urbejtel. One last point: as far as possible, try to break up your food intake and keep to the normal 3 meals “a day” routine. And avoid going to bed just after eating.

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