Healthy dates with Sehri and Iftar

The crescent moon shines bright against the blanket of stars in the midnight sky which marks the first day of the glorious month of Ramzan where Muslims all around the globe fast for a month to commemorate the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) which will begin on the May 17. The streets are filled to the brim with stalls and vendors who serve a variety of succulent food ranging from mouth-watering kebabs to chicken rolls with heaps of spices and bags of flavour! Yet, a majority of Muslims, especially youngsters, have become calorie-conscious and are keeping their diet in check as these kebabs and other dishes are quite unhealthy as they’re drenched in oil, and can cause heartburn. They have opted for alternatives like fruits, grilled steaks and sautéed vegetables. We have spoken to a few teens about their choice of food, especially for Iftar, which keeps them healthy and in line with their diet!

Ulfath Joad, a student of Mount Carmel College says her healthy diet includes various fruits, dates, protein and vegetables, “My personal favourites include chicken steaks which should be seasoned well and grilled to perfection, both high in protein with a good calorie intake. Apart from that, steamed fish, grilled salmon, brown rice and other alternatives to your favourite dishes like baked seekh kebab or samosas that keep your calories in check. Fresh watermelon and orange juice are my favourites, but remember to make them at home without too much sugar!

Ulfath, and many other teens opt for fresh juices as they contain natural nutrients and vitamins which keep you healthy. Nizam Haris, a BA student of Christ University opines, “I prefer a lot of juices without sugar, mainly watermelon and fruits instead of snacks. As per Islamic tenets, I’ll try to keep my expenses at the minimum so no junk food. I don’t eat much non-vegetarian food so I give that extra money to those who can’t afford food. I drink at least five litres of water and juice without sweeteners.”

Sonu Fakiha, a BA student of Jyothi Nivas Degree College has also put her foot down against junk food, and she opts for healthy drinks accompanied by fruits. She says, “One of the most common and preferable drinks is sherbat. There are varieties of it made using ingredients like roohafza, tukmaria seeds, soaked tragacanth gum herb and water. It refreshes and boosts energy and also has less calories. It works great for health-conscious teens during the holy month!”

It is extremely important for teens to consume low calorie food like baked food and fresh juices as it contains the appropriate vitamins to keep them healthy and helps one fast for a month!