Lose Weight and Gain Spirituality

Category: Americas, Faith & Spirituality, Featured, Life & Society Topics: Diet, Eating, Food, Ramadan Values: Spirituality Views: 6442
6442

Contrary to public opinion, most Muslims end up gaining weight during Ramadan. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and water from sunrise to sunset. Although, this sounds like a good diet, seldom does it turn out to be.

Traditionally, Muslims are supposed to eat two meals; after sunset and prior to sunrise. While in most Muslim majority countries this works out well, in the US it doesn't. In Muslim majority countries the entire country reverses their daily schedule. They don't do much all day, and stay awake at night so they have time to eat a morning meal.

Here in the US, most Muslims indulge after sunset and don't wake up to have an early meal. Busy work schedules and busy lifestyles promote this bad eating behavior. This is a major contributor to gaining weight.

The human body is very smart. The body figures out that it is only getting one meal a day and decides that it needs to store everything. So everything you eat gets stored as fat. The best practice would be to remember to wake up early and have a sensible meal, but that may not always work out.

You can easily use the occasion of Ramadan to lose some weight and shed some pounds. You don't have to stop eating or avoid going to dinner break-fast parties (Iftars). You just have to follow a few guidelines.

First of all, avoid eating too many carbohydrates. Muslims love carbohydrates. Most Iftar dinners are composed of a ton of carbohydrates. Pasta, rice, bread, sweets and sugars are the most common culprits. Try to avoid these. No your host will not be offended. Instead of eating a ton of rice with the red sauce, try to cut the rice out totally and just have the sauce. Load up on salad and drink diet pop. Carbs are the worse thing person can eat if they are trying to lose weight.

Secondly, eat lots of protein. If you avoid carbohydrates and eat tons of protein, you will stop feeling hungry and end up eating less. And even if you eat tons of proteins, you will still lose weight. Eat chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, veal, eggs, and seafood. Contrary to popular belief an all meat diet will decrease your cholesterol and blood sugar. Recent studies in the New England Journal of Medicine and other reputable medical journals have proven this time and time again.

Thirdly, eat some fiber. Green, leafy vegetables are great for getting your system flowing. Have all the salad you want. Don't use "fat free" dressing. Fat free usually means "tons of sugar". It's the sugar that is making us fatter. Also, avoid fruits, a piece or two a day is fine, but they usually contain a lot of sugar.

Avoid sugary drinks. Tea, coffee, pop, and juices all contain tons of sugar. Try to drink diet drinks and use Splenda as a sugar substitute. It is made of real sugar and tastes like real sugar, but does not make you gain weight nor does it have the side-effects of other sugar substitutes.

Following this high protein diet, your body will turn into a fat burning machine. Your body doesn't get the sugar from the diet, so it has to burn fat to make fuel. Even while you sleep the fat will burn right off.

Along with extra prayers and spirituality, this is a quick easy way to get the most out of your Ramadan.

Note: Always check with your doctor before beginning any diet and exercise plan. This article does not constitute medical advice.

 

Source: Toledomuslims.com


  Category: Americas, Faith & Spirituality, Featured, Life & Society
  Topics: Diet, Eating, Food, Ramadan  Values: Spirituality
Views: 6442

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Older Comments:
LAILAH FROM USA said:
Assalam wa alkium, I feel the intention of this article was very good. Inshallah, we should remember that we are fasting. How can we consider ourselves fasting when we eat as much as possible after iftar. Inshallah, we should try to remember that fasting helps us purify ourselves as well as gain empathy for our less fortunate brothers and sisters who are starving. I feel guilty to eat in excess when they are in that condition.

I, however, also disagree about having the intention of losing weight while fasting. So many of our sisters are trying to become more western beauties by dieting too much. Islam teaches moderation. Be moderate with what you eat, how much exercise you get, and inshallah Allah (swt) will give you the health associated with these actions.

2003-12-14

SABEEN FROM USA said:
being a nutritionist, i believe that one should not cut out carbs totally because this is the major source of our energy. instead try to eat carbs in smaller amounts and choose ur carbs wisely. for example instead of white bread have wheat bread. both are carbs but the wheat is better because its higher in fiber.
2003-11-17

ZERAS FROM SAUDI ARABIA said:
Although the article may have done with good intent and aimed at guiding Muslims on appropriate eating during Ramadan, it may be somewhat misplaced. Firstly, our focus should be on the intention of fasting as a religious duty/rite and not as a means of dieting. Secondly, as our religion prescribes, we should do things in "moderation" including in our eating behavior. That does not mean we should go the other extreme and eat only proteins and diet sodas as the article essentially implies. Thirdly, comments such as "Muslims love carbohydrates" are broad stereotypical statements and generally unhelpful.
2003-11-15

MUSLIMAH FROM USA said:
I don't think the point of Ramadan is to lose weight. As a woman, I think if I even "played" with the goal of losing weight, I'd have to say that my intentions would not be so pure! And, intention is so crucial in Islam. I don't want to face Allah on the Day of Judgment and have Him ask me why I fasted during Ramadan, or even admit to Him that I used Ramadan as a weight-loss method.

Also, this is horrible advice to promote diet sodas! Aspartame-laden drinks are hardly healthful and aspartame is very harmful. There are even support groups to help (mainly women) deal with withdrawal and addiction to these artificial sweeteners! What about water? Water with a lemon slice is a tasty alternative.

I also do not like the language in the use of the word "tons" in describing what one can eat during Ramadan. Even if we're eating something that won't "make us fat", that doesn't mean we should just pig-out on that, either. Moderation, moderation, moderation. And, why aren't there citations from the way the Prophet (saws) used to eat?

Overall, this article just puts a bad taste in my mouth....similar to the aftertaste of aspartame.

2003-11-13

RODICA MARIN FROM ROMANIA said:
Indeed , this article is lacking deepness and lots of professionalism. How can somebody recommend drinking diet soda , when the real Muslim tradition of water intake, especialy during Ramadan, is the most recommendable? Let' sget some education before calling people to follow our teachings!
2003-11-12

SASHA FROM ENGLAND said:
The diet you have described is very similar to the 'Atkins' diet, which advises those trying to lose weight to cut out almost all carbohydrates and stick to fat/protein meals. This is not a healthy diet and puts strain on the kidneys because of the large amounts of protein being processed. Those with an underlying kidney problem could be making it worse and it may eventually lead to kidney damage.
2003-11-11

UMM ATHEEM FROM U.S. said:
Jazak Allah for sharing this information. Insha Allah it will be read and practiced. I am very thankful to Allah for this opportunity to gain the many spiritual rewards of this Blessed Month. I am also taking advantage of the opportunity to lose weight. I have been following the steps you have outlined for about 9 months and have lost 57 lbs. Continuing with this dietary lifestyle during Ramadaan is a huge gift. I am thankful Allah has finally allowed me to understand the real importance of my need to eat healthy. Allah is so, so Kind!!!!!! Ramadaan Mubarik!!!!
2003-11-11

NUR FROM SINGAPORE said:
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim
This is what i think: The best of everything is moderation, and Allah hates those who goes over the limits. in this case, it is eating. The prophet said, the two most happiest times for someone fasting is the Sahur and Break Fast. Eat what you want that is good, healthy and delicious, but never stuff ourselves to the point of bloating, so that we could concentrate in praying and zikr. And never waste, as waste is the action Syaitaan loves doing. Wallahu a'lam
2003-11-11

BARKIA FROM UGANDA said:
Asalam Aleikum brothers and Sistas I thank my brother for bringing up the subject, Most of us during Iftar tend to eat alot and this makes us relax and too lazy to perform the Taraweh prayers
I believe we should a portion carbohydrates, proteins and other food nutrients because our body needs all of them. We should not stuff ourselves it is haram that is why we get fat because we end up sleeping and too lazy to sit up and pray at night which helps to control our weight. So we should eat a little bit of everything and drink water it because we tend eat alot and drink less. So we should eat what is enough for us. And pray alot it is good exercise after eating. Thank you
2003-11-11

MUSLIM FROM USA said:
The author shows his narrow minded way of looking at the world or lacks the ability to see Muslims and those who follow Islam as others than his own race:

The following statement:
"First of all, avoid eating too many carbohydrates. Muslims love carbohydrates."

Is not only foolish and untrue, it's shows the deep ignorance of the people allowed to post on this site.
2003-11-10

MOHAMMED ALO FROM USA said:
I am the original author of the Toledomuslims.com article on dieting during Ramadan. All of your concerns are worth noting, howver, time and time again, the medical research has not shown them to be valid. Kidneys do not deteriorate from protein. Fructose does make you fatter, it just takes one more processing step. The food pyramid has been upside down. Mnay articles have shown this to be true. Humans were never designed to consume massive amounts of carbs. In the original article were two links to independent research on this topic, you can still view them at http://www.toledomuslims.com/Criterion/Article.asp?ID=170

Red meat is not bad for you if you are on a high protein diet. In fact, it helps you burn your own fat faster.

Consuming cholesterol does not increase your blood cholesterol levels. In fact, people with hyperlipidemia are placed on protein diets by physicians.

Enjoy your Ramadan!


Thank you all for your concern,
Mohammed Alo
Medical Student Year 2
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
2003-11-10

M N A FROM USA said:
Very Good. One thing though: I don't think avoiding fruits is a good thing to do.
2003-11-10

BRENETTA FROM JAPAN said:
As salaamu alaikum and Ramadan Mubarak!
I now know why I don't lose as much weight as I usually try to lose during Ramadan. I tend to eat a lot of rice. Although I get up for Suhoor, my stomach isn't able to hold a full course breakfast. I eat very small amounts. What else can I do. As salaamu alaikum.
2003-11-10

MIKE FROM USA said:
The writer of the article is fascinated with the word "tons". Please use words as needed. You do not need to exaggerate for people to get the point.
2003-11-10

ABDULLAH FROM UK said:
Bismillah

Carbohydrates forms the base of the food pyramid which means it should be the principle component of our daily diet. The author seems to favour the Atkins diet (the carbohydrate-free diet applauded by the media) which has been medically proven to be harmful.
2003-11-09

JOHN YEZEGUIELIAN FROM USA said:
Al salaamu alaikum.

While I applaud your intention, I must bring up three
unfortunate realities. What you describe is essentially the
Atkins diet, which works very well and which I am very
familiar with. BUT... to do it, one must be eating as much
as one wants when one wants, but of protiens, not carbos.
SOME restraint might still work, but a US Ramadan forces
the body to fast, which puts it into conservation mode, so
its neither functional nor necessarily safe. Fact is tht we
NEED those carbos specifically because we've been fasting,
unless we're already in Induction mode/phase... and this is
an ill-advised way to achieve that.

Second point: If we simply reverse our sleep schedules and
doze all of the daylight hours (a practice I'm guilty of) are
we really fasting, showing the restraint, or just pushing a
loophole to make it easier?

Finally, the statement "First of all, avoid eating too many
carbohydrates. Muslims love carbohydrates." was riddled
with holes. Not only does "too many" remain undefined,
but "MUSLIMS" don't love carbos any more than any other
religion. C'mon...

While the intention was good, I feel you've unwittingly
misled some people. Insha'Allah, no one will suffer any real
damage (kidney, etc) from the advice, as it ends up
suggesting moderation, rather that removal of carbos.
(Salad can still have lots of carbos if you're not careful of
carrots, etc.) Again, jazak Allah khair for the good intent,
but please use caution in advising such in the future?

Ma salaam,

John
2003-11-09

BASHIR H. SAMMA, MD FROM TANZANIA said:
Ramadhan Karim to all. This sounds like Atkin's Diet. It is fine, but the "red meat" should be taken in moderattion. Also fresh WHOLE fruits taken in abundance are actually fine and their sugar [mainly fructose]won't fatten the eater. Juices, squash, fizzes, sodas, colas, and the like are DANGEROUS. If one is thirsty, then PURE water is best. Carbohydrates should comprise at least one eight of the dinner plate - but should be taken. The body needs them. Too much protein may provoke gout in susceptible people.
2003-11-09