If you are planning to fast this Lent season, you want to first make sure that you’re doing it healthily, and second, you need to make it through the forty days without giving up or depriving your body of any essential nutrients. I am Christelle Bedrossian, a professional nutrition consultant in Dubai, and I will share with you 5 tips to have a successful Lent this season.
01/ Water, water, and more water.
After breaking your fast, the first thing to do is rehydrate your body before eating any food. So, when the clock hits noon, and your body is feeling thirsty and hungry, start by drinking water. Don’t guzzle it down quickly; drink it slowly so you don’t cause any tightness in your stomach.
02/ Get enough protein.
When you think of protein, the first thing that comes to mind is meat and chicken, which you probably cut during these 40 days. So you need to think of alternatives, and the most obvious one is fish. Still, there are also several other meatless protein sources such as cottage cheese, yogurt, and eggs, and if you’re also fasting from those items you can go for vegetable proteins like soybeans and legumes like lentils, chickpeas, and kidney beans.
03/ Maintain satiety.
During eating time, you want to ensure you’re eating enough of the right foods to maintain satiety during the fast hours. Here are two things to follow:
- The trick is always to have enough fibre-rich meals. Fiber stays in your stomach longer than other foods and keeps you feeling full for a longer period, so always have a big bowl of leafy green veggies along with your meal.
- It’s also important to drink water throughout the day. If you’re not a big fan of the taste of water, add a few drops of lemon or a dash of flower essences like rose water or orange blossom water to make it tasty.
04/ Avoid gaining weight.
While breaking the fast, it is understandable that you’ll be very hungry. However, overeating in your first meal is the fastest way to gain weight because your metabolism will slow down. Instead, plan your meals in small portions throughout the day and evening to maintain a proper metabolism level. Moreover, don’t use the fact that you’re fasting as an excuse to avoid exercising.
