The holy month of Ramadan shifts our daily routines, especially our eating and drinking habits. With suhoor before dawn and iftar at sunset, our digestive system undergoes a significant transformation.
But once Eid celebrations begin, many of us jump straight back into pre-Ramadan eating patterns, often abruptly.
This sudden change can lead to bloating, indigestion, acidity, and weight gain.
Let’s explore his valuable insights and how you can implement them into your daily life.
Don’t Rush Back to Old Habits
After a month of structured eating, it’s tempting to dive right back into frequent and heavy meals. But according to Hakeem Amjad, doing so can put unnecessary pressure on your digestive system.
“Ramadan teaches us discipline. If we maintain the same mealtime discipline after Ramadan, we can avoid many common health problems,” he said.
Rather than having two balanced meals, people often go overboard, eating large quantities at odd hours. That’s where the trouble begins.
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Start with Light, Balanced Meals
Your digestive system needs time to readjust to a normal routine. Jumping back into three full meals plus snacks is too much, too soon. Begin with:
- Light breakfasts that include porridge or boiled eggs
- Soups or grilled vegetables at lunch
- A balanced dinner with protein, light carbs, and fiber
This gradual shift ensures your body isn’t overwhelmed.
Practice Portion Control
Just because you can eat during the day again doesn’t mean you should eat more than your body needs. Overeating can slow down digestion and lead to discomfort.
Instead of three large meals, opt for:
- Five to six small meals per day
- Avoid feeling “too full”—always stop eating when you’re 80% satisfied
- Chew slowly and enjoy your meals mindfully
This approach can help your metabolism stabilize post-fasting.
Be Gentle with Your Stomach
During Ramadan, the stomach, liver, and intestines function differently. Fasting allows these organs to rest. Post-Ramadan, don’t shock them with high-fat meals and unhealthy snacking.
“Your stomach and intestines are used to limited intake. A sudden spike can lead to reflux, bloating, and other digestive troubles,” warned Hakeem Amjad.
Limit Fatty Foods, Tea, and Carbonated Drinks
Hakeem Amjad cautioned against consuming heavy oils, excessive tea, and fizzy drinks after Ramadan ends. These can irritate the stomach lining, especially when digestive fluids like bile are still rebalancing.
He explained how:
- Fatty foods slow down digestion
- Tea, especially on an empty stomach, increases acidity
- Carbonated beverages cause bloating and can aggravate acid reflux
Continue the Ramadan Mealtime Rhythm
Discipline in timing is key. Eating at odd hours or late at night after Eid can destabilize your digestive cycle.
“Continue the Ramadan habit of fixed meal times. Align your meals with the natural body clock to avoid irregular digestion,” he suggested.
Stick to meals at regular intervals:
- Breakfast by 8:30 AM
- Lunch between 1:00–2:00 PM
- Dinner no later than 8:00 PM
Use Herbal Remedies for Digestion and Weight Control
For those struggling with post-Ramadan weight gain or sluggish digestion, Hakeem Amjad recommended a natural detox tea using ingredients found in most kitchens.
Herbal Detox Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 6-8 mint leaves
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups of water
Method:
- Boil all ingredients together for 5–7 minutes
- Strain and sip warm
- Drink twice daily, especially after meals
“This herbal remedy improves metabolism, supports digestion, and can aid in weight management,” he advised.
Hydrate Smartly
Another critical post-Ramadan habit is proper hydration. After a month of scheduled fluid intake, many forget to maintain adequate water consumption.
- Drink 8–10 glasses of water throughout the day
- Add lemon, cucumber, or mint for added detox benefits
- Avoid sugary drinks and limit caffeine
Avoid Heavy Dinners Post-Eid
Eid celebrations often involve rich, spicy, and greasy foods. While indulging occasionally is fine, returning to heavy dinners daily can lead to poor sleep and digestive issues.
Tips for lighter dinners:
- Include grilled or steamed proteins
- Add raw or lightly sautéed vegetables
- Skip dessert or opt for a small portion of fruit instead
Listen to Your Body
Your digestive system sends signals—listen carefully.
If you feel bloated, lethargic, or experience acidity:
- Scale back on spicy foods
- Switch to boiled or baked meals
- Try yogurt with cumin or fenugreek water in the morning for relief
Summary of Expert Tips by Hakeem Amjad Ismail
| Habit | Action |
|---|---|
| Meal Timing | Maintain fixed eating hours |
| Portion Size | Eat small, frequent meals |
| Avoid | Fatty foods, excessive tea, fizzy drinks |
| Remedy | Drink herbal tea (ginger + mint + bay leaf) |
| Hydration | 8–10 glasses of water daily |
| Light Dinners | Choose steamed or grilled food at night |
| Gut Healing | Eat yogurt, probiotics, and fiber-rich foods |
Final Thoughts: Balance is the Key
The end of Ramadan should not mark the return of poor eating habits. Instead, take the lessons of discipline, simplicity, and balance with you into your daily routine. As Hakeem Amjad wisely said, “If we continue Ramadan’s discipline throughout the year, health issues will automatically reduce.”
So eat mindfully, respect your body’s signals, and nourish it with care.
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