RAMADAN

IndianMuslim
IndianMuslim Posts: 154
in Food and Nutrition
Just curious...are there any muslims on here that will be fasting for the 30 days of Ramadan and have been successful in the past at losing weight while fasting? I have been fasting this week and found that the 21 hours or so of fasting does a toll on my body so even if I eat a small amount at night, I just maintain my weight. I know it's probably because my body goes in starvation mode. I also am not exercising while fasting for obvious reasons. Does anyone have any tips?
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Replies

  • AJ_G
    AJ_G Posts: 4,158 Member
    I'm not Muslim, but I know many people who are and who fast during Ramadan. It's important to try and eat the same amount of calories you did before Ramadan. Once the sun goes down, stuff your face with calories. It may be hard to eat that many calories in a short time, so consider eating calorically dense foods like peanut butter, whey protein, ice cream, butter, olive oil, etc
  • IndianMuslim
    IndianMuslim Posts: 154
    I never thought about consuming the same amount of calories. Thanks :)
  • RobP1192
    RobP1192 Posts: 310 Member
    I have a friend that will be fasting for Ramadan next month. I play soccer with him and i know last year he was struggling hard, but toughed it out. He told me he gorges on food at night, wakes up in the middle of the night to eat something, and wakes up a few hours earlier than normal to eat before sun up. Then goes to work, then when he comes home he crashes until sun down.
  • Showcase_Brodown
    Showcase_Brodown Posts: 919 Member
    I am not a Muslim either, but I know that 21 hours of fasting will NOT put you in starvation mode. It takes at least 72 hours for that to have any effect. Many people have been successful at losing weight during a fast. It all comes down to the total calories for the day consumed being less than what is used (in vs. out).
  • IndianMuslim
    IndianMuslim Posts: 154
    Listened to your advice and lost a pound yesterday! small steps... :)
  • riizara
    riizara Posts: 5
    Last Ramadan I only managed to maintain my weight. This time I'm planning to, rather eat two big meals at sunset and dawn, eat smaller amounts within the time that it's allowed to eat as well as doing pilates. I've heard a few people who did Insanity during Ramadan though I wouldn't recommend that since its really intense..
  • udt123
    udt123 Posts: 22 Member
    I fast all year round and I've never been in better shape =) Fasting is the way to go!
  • Camera_BagintheUK
    Camera_BagintheUK Posts: 707 Member
    But also, you'll take in less fluids won't you. And when Ramadan falls this time of year with longer hotter days, you could lose a lot of fluid during the day which you're not replacing.
  • natashabamford7
    natashabamford7 Posts: 26 Member
    I will be fasting this year, would be nice to have some support add me if you want.

    Hoping to lose some weight or atleast maintain this ramadan because last year I put on ALOT of weight.
  • paperpudding
    paperpudding Posts: 9,304 Member
    Are you allowed to drink plain water in hours of fasting?

    Not for calories but just so you don't get dehydrated if it is hot and you are outside a lot or similar?
  • Camera_BagintheUK
    Camera_BagintheUK Posts: 707 Member
    Are you allowed to drink plain water in hours of fasting?

    Not for calories but just so you don't get dehydrated if it is hot and you are outside a lot or similar?

    No, fasting is total abstention from food and drink.
  • Litababy5
    Litababy5 Posts: 68 Member
    I will be fasting...even though my TOM will start around the time we begin(not pleased::mad: ). Unfortunately for me I can't eat a whole lot during that time but I drink a lot of water. As for exercise, I'm not sure but if anything,I may be jumping rope.
  • chrisc31
    chrisc31 Posts: 137 Member
    I will be fasting this year insha'Allah and each year I do lose weight. I think the key is like a previous poster said: try to get in the same amount of calories as if you weren't fasting. I don't usually have a problem with that! :)
  • lina1131
    lina1131 Posts: 2,246 Member
    I will be fasting. I typically lose a few pounds during Ramadan.
  • BarackMeLikeAHurricane
    BarackMeLikeAHurricane Posts: 3,400 Member
    I fast all year round and I've never been in better shape =) Fasting is the way to go!
    Me too, but I assume you also drink water while fasting. They can't.
  • BarackMeLikeAHurricane
    BarackMeLikeAHurricane Posts: 3,400 Member
    I will be fasting...even though my TOM will start around the time we begin(not pleased::mad: ). Unfortunately for me I can't eat a whole lot during that time but I drink a lot of water. As for exercise, I'm not sure but if anything,I may be jumping rope.
    I'm not an expert on Islam, but aren't you allowed to not fast during menstration? I know a lot of muslims and last year I asked a lot of questions like do diabetics have to fast, pregnant women, etc. and they told me that menstration was another circumstance in which you are permitted to abstain from fasting.
  • ron2e
    ron2e Posts: 606
    I am not a Muslim either, but I know that 21 hours of fasting will NOT put you in starvation mode. It takes at least 72 hours for that to have any effect. Many people have been successful at losing weight during a fast. It all comes down to the total calories for the day consumed being less than what is used (in vs. out).

    72 hours? Wrong! Google "Starvation mode myth".
  • lina1131
    lina1131 Posts: 2,246 Member
    I will be fasting...even though my TOM will start around the time we begin(not pleased::mad: ). Unfortunately for me I can't eat a whole lot during that time but I drink a lot of water. As for exercise, I'm not sure but if anything,I may be jumping rope.
    I'm not an expert on Islam, but aren't you allowed to not fast during menstration? I know a lot of muslims and last year I asked a lot of questions like do diabetics have to fast, pregnant women, etc. and they told me that menstration was another circumstance in which you are permitted to abstain from fasting.

    This is true. Women do not have to fast during their time of the month, but are suppose to make it up after Ramadan is over.
  • Saraa17
    Saraa17 Posts: 3
    I will be fasting this Ramadan too Insha'Allah. I just wanted to get some advice on what I would do in terms of exercise as I want to keep going to the gym and keep up my fitness. Any advice?
  • _Zardoz_
    _Zardoz_ Posts: 3,987 Member
    I am not a Muslim either, but I know that 21 hours of fasting will NOT put you in starvation mode. It takes at least 72 hours for that to have any effect.
    You're Funny
  • lina1131
    lina1131 Posts: 2,246 Member
    I will be fasting this Ramadan too Insha'Allah. I just wanted to get some advice on what I would do in terms of exercise as I want to keep going to the gym and keep up my fitness. Any advice?

    I am planning (depending on how I feel) to do a workout (nothing intense) 30 minutes or so before we break our fast. I'm just going to take it one day at a time and see how I feel, though.
  • shaf1077
    shaf1077 Posts: 5 Member
    I fast every year. This year is different for me as I have lost around 21 kg so far since February. Really don't want to put weight on during fasting. Worried about eating the wrong foods when I open fast. Those fried starters can be so tempting.
  • ldrosophila
    ldrosophila Posts: 7,512 Member
    Focus on the spiritual aspect of your fast. Know that this is a time for you to be selfless and give thanks for all your blessings. Practice lots of prayer and silent meditation. Enjoy and be thankful when it is time to eat. You'll be fine the body has been designed by God to go through periods of faminine/fast and periods of bounty.
  • Xwardian
    Xwardian Posts: 16 Member
    I am a muslim n i will be fasting for 30 days... Last year i lost 20 pounds during Ramadan without exercise... I used to open my fast with any energy drink... That helped me to avoid eating too much... That was a bit hard but worth it... Oh and any seasonal fruit is a must... Best of luck :)
  • shaf1077
    shaf1077 Posts: 5 Member
    Focus on the spiritual aspect of your fast. Know that this is a time for you to be selfless and give thanks for all your blessings. Practice lots of prayer and silent meditation. Enjoy and be thankful when it is time to eat. You'll be fine the body has been designed by God to go through periods of faminine/fast and periods of bounty.

    Couldn't agree more! I have been worried about not being able to continue my workouts/gym during Ramadan and have not been looking forward to it. Instead i need to be grateful for the weight I have lost and accept this upcoming month as a blessing.
  • Xwardian
    Xwardian Posts: 16 Member
    Focus on the spiritual aspect of your fast. Know that this is a time for you to be selfless and give thanks for all your blessings. Practice lots of prayer and silent meditation. Enjoy and be thankful when it is time to eat. You'll be fine the body has been designed by God to go through periods of faminine/fast and periods of bounty.

    perfectly said
  • AsrarHussain
    AsrarHussain Posts: 1,424 Member
    ill be fasting and working out as well im cutting right now still going to cut ill reduce the sets and volume and days i go to the gym
  • Espressocycle
    Espressocycle Posts: 2,245 Member
    I could never do the no-water part.
  • Camera_BagintheUK
    Camera_BagintheUK Posts: 707 Member
    Well, whatever you do while you fast, to all of you who are fasting, Ramadan kareem

    I'm not religious in any faith, but I know your faith will carry you through your fast :flowerforyou:
  • freemystery
    freemystery Posts: 184 Member
    I live in a muslim area and I love the air of... I don't know, festivity? Everybody knows it's going to be tough fasting during the summer but all the restaurants and cafes have special offers and are keeping special hours.

    There's lots of gorgeous fried food but so much fresh fruit and healthy veggie curries, biriyanis and dhals. I guess as ever it's about your choices and doing your hardest to resist temptation when you're absolutely ravenous.

    All I can say is it'll take a stronger person than me... I basically need to surround myself with healthy snacks because if I get hungry my willpower gets shot to pieces! I really admire those who fast and the self restraint it takes. And also the noble reasons people do it for. More power to you and best of luck, hope that it all goes well!

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