Making Lifestyle Changes in Ramadan

Although special Ramadan recipes are an important part of family tradition, many of those treasured favorites are rich, heavy in butter, oil, cream, or cheese. But the good news is that you don’t have to give up those old favorites, instead, just convert them into healthier recipes with the following tips.

  • Cut down on fat by braising or cooking onions in a small amount of water or even vegetable stock rather than oil or butter. Use non-stick frying pans and non-stick sprays rather than oil or margarine if frying. Bake, grill or roast foods rather than frying.
  • If a recipe calls for cream or whole milk, use evaporated or fresh skim milk. If a recipe calls for a whole egg, use two egg whites. Instead of cream, use yogurt.
  • Always trim off all excess fat from before cooking or use veal, chicken and soya as lower fat options. Remove poultry skin before or after cooking. Choose light meat instead of dark meat.
  • Avoid excess salt and instead use dried herbs, garlic, dry mustard, pepper, onions, mushrooms and tomatoes to add flavor to meat and vegetables. Add sliced lemon or lemon juice to white meats and fish and use herbs and spices instead.
  • Vegetables should be steamed or boiled with as little cream or margarine as possible.
  • When preparing rice, noodles and other grains, season with herbs, spices and broths rather than added fat.