3 ADDITIONAL SIMPLE SUHUR OPTIONS for HEALTHY FASTING

RAMADAN SERIES | After my usual suhur (ACV + water) post on Instagram (follow @drsebaa if you aren't already), I've been seeing that many also prefer simpler suhurs. You've tried having foods like eggs, oatmeal, and elaborate smoothies but compared to the days that you keep your suhur very light, you feel much better during the day. This makes sense for many reasons.⁣
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⁣⁣For one, you're allowing your liver's sugar stores to deplete for hours longer so that your body is able to tap into your fat reserves and burn ketones for fuel. Once your body makes this fuel-source switch, hunger generally subsides quite a bit. Unless you have a pre-existing condition, your body and brain actually thrive when fat adapted—dipping in and out of ketosis—in this case via fasting, which is a natural DNA-woven process Note: This is not to be mistaken with a pathology known as ketoacidosis.⁣⁣⁣
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Especially for suhur, keep your meals light and avoid excess sugar. If you spike your blood sugar in the morning, you're likely to crash by the afternoon. This will leave you feeling hungrier, lethargic, and overall unwell. Protein and healthy fats are better choices if you enjoy a more filling suhur. Incorporating more fiber during this time while focusing on hydration is key. I can speak more on this later but for now, I have three additional *super simple* suhur options I choose from aside from my favorite vinegar water. They're also only 2 ingredients. Let me know what you think of these ~⁣
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⁣⁣1. SUNNAH DATE INFUSION (NABIDH)⁣⁣⁣
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Nabidh consists of the water from the steeping of dates or raisins and was a favorite drink of Prophet Muhammad PBUH. It's incredibly refreshing and so easy to prepare. Soak dates (or raisins) for after iftar and drink the water portion at suhur. You can have this at iftar as well after soaking from suhur. These are the ways that Aisha (RA) would prepare this refreshing drink for our Beloved Prophet (PBUH). She would not allow the water to sit for longer (especially not beyond 3 days) to prevent fermentation. The water from the soaked dates/raisins will retain many of the wonderful water soluble vitamins and minerals from the dates. You can use the soaked dates/raisins in a smoothie or other recipes.⁣⁣
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DIRECTIONS: Fill a jar/jug with water leaving 1/3 at the top. Add your dates or raisins until the water reaches the top. Close and set aside at room temperature. Enjoy the water about 10-12 hours later⁣.

2. FIGS + OLIVE OIL⁣⁣⁣
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Figs are rich in phenol antioxidants, energizing nutrients, and filling fiber while olive oil improves cognitive function and is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats. They just go so well together. It's no wonder the ayah (95:1) includes them together :)⁣ ⁣
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DIRECTIONS: For this recipe, it's best to use dried figs so that they can soak up the oil and you can retain the mixture for later. Fill your jar loosely packed with dried figs, allowing about 1/2 an inch on top. Slowly pour in your olive oil until the jar is filled to the top. Close and enjoy your soaked figs over the course of a month or so.⁣
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⁣3. SOLE⁣
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Sole is saturated saltwater. It's electrolyte dense brine that's essentially charged—allowing minerals to be easily absorbed by the body. It helps in maintaining the fluid balance and assists the kidneys in eliminating wastes and toxins. Adding a tsp of this solution or a pinch of natural salt to your water is a wonderful way to support proper hydration.⁣
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Why is salt especially important now? When we fast, the hormone insulin drops and we excrete more sodium. Sodium is essential for basic communication between cells and it can easily be replenished with good quality salt. Secondly, naturally occurring salt is rich in trace minerals and electrolytes. Proper electrolyte balance helps with every function in the body and may help prevent common fasting symptoms such as muscle cramping and headaches. Adding natural salt to your water doesn't lend one to be thirsty as one may think; salt actually aids in the absorption of water. ⁣
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*Also, this is different from simply adding more salt to dry foods. If you ingest more salt than water by ratio with dry foods, you won't hydrate properly. As noted earlier, avoid synthetic table salt.⁣
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There are numerous recipes for SOLE online. Check it out. When I don't have this prepared, a simply pinch of natural salt and a squeeze of lemon does the trick.⁣⁣
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So, there you have it! 3 simple options to explore for your suhur that does-your-body-good!⁣ And, these are great any time of the year too :) For now, we're focusing on having a healthy Ramadan so these simple options are super timely.⁣
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⁣Let me know if you've tried any of these or what you've been having.⁣⁣⁣
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Wishing you a Healthy Ramadan, in every way!⁣⁣⁣
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with care,⁣⁣
Aïcha Sebaa⁣


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