www.womanthismonth.com 35 August 2014 Ramadan is an ideal time to detox the body, mind and soul, but for a lot of people this remains a missed opportunity. “This is because people try to make up for all the missed meals by overeating at Iftar. That’s unhealthy because the metabolism has slowed down and the body isn’t prepared for the shock of a heavy meal,” says Rheam Nasr, Clinical Dietician at Gulf Diabetes Specialist Centre. According to her, the most crucial factor at Iftar is hydration. “After 14 hours of fasting, people tend to overlook the thirst and eat instead. Some very common symptoms of dehydration, such as headaches, lethargy and irritableness, are often ignored,” she adds. Instead of sugar-loaded drinks, people should opt for water, lowor non-fat milk (a good source of protein, calcium, potassium and phosphorous) or fresh vegetable or fruit juices, which are rich in of Vitamins A and C. Another healthy way of breaking the fast is with a bowl of tomato or lentil soup. An Iftar meal should be a balance of vegetables, proteins and starch, with a helping of dairy on the side, Rheam recommends. Suhoor is another good opportunity to rehydrate. The focus should be on protein and fibre for a feeling of fullness that lasts longer while avoiding foods high in salt. “Another area of concern is the overdose on sweets, especially the deep-fried and high sugar variety, that’s full of saturated fats and the unhealthiest way to end the day,” says the expert. Having trained at McGill University in Canada as well as the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Rheam’s interests include obesity, diabetes and its related diseases, and maternal and child nutrition. Call 17 239-239. Eat Smart for Summer This expert from Gulf Diabetes Specialist Centre believes that eating healthy and staying active goes a long way to ensure that you remain energetic. showcase Download our FREE app! Who are the services for: Adults, infants, children or adolescents, pregnant or lactating women and the elderly. Assessment and management/treatment of: The nutrition clinic services include: Initial nutritional screening and assessment. Individualized nutritional planning for weight management or specialized nutritional needs. Nutrition, exercise and lifestyle coaching and counseling of clients and their families. Follow-up and monitoring of nutritional status, providing ongoing support and advice. Because we care! Call: +973 17 239 239 www.gulfdiabetes.com gulfdiabetes Rheam Nasr can answer all your questions and concerns about nutrition and health, food products, food safety, and will help you create goals and a nutrition plan based on your individual needs and food preferences. Clinical Dietitian (Msc, RD) Rheam Nasr Overweight and obesity Underweight or failure to thrive Diabetes type 1 and type 2 – newly- diagnosed or poorly controlled High cholesterol and/or high triglycerides Weight management during pregnancy Infant and young child feeding practices Gestational diabetes Heart disease High blood pressure Kidney disease Osteoporosis or arthritis Food allergies or intolerances
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