RAMADAN: A Physical and Mental Detox
It's that time of year again! The Holy month of Ramadan is just around the corner.
Ramadan is a time where Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. We fast from food and drinks, but also we fast with our hearts and words.
Ramadan is essentially a month of detox. A physical detox from all unhealthy, fried food that negatively affects your body after a long period of fasting. Also a mental detox that teaches you self-control, and discipline from all these bad for you. Whether you're a Muslim or not, participating in the fast during Ramadan will definitely be a rewarding experience.
For a fitness addict, Ramadan is a really tough month for me at the gym. Remembering last year, I struggled to even get one session done. In total, I had only gone to the gym twice last year. I worked out while fasting, which was a really tough decision. Because my body was dehydrated and I wasn't eating properly, I was very sore and in pain for days after. I could barely walk. Since I was fasting all day, I wasn't drinking enough water to help with my muscle recovery, and was definitely not eating the right foods to help. Sore muscles means sleepiness and fatigue, a higher level of hunger and impatience. It definitely didn't help with my detox physically nor mentally.
However, I have high hopes and a better plan this time around. I have more focus and a stronger determination, and a great team with me to not let my fears stop or hinder my progress. I always lose weight during the month of Ramadan, and this time, I refuse to lose any weight.
After a discussion with my team, Emer Morrison, and Mark Doherty (check them out on Instagram!), we agreed on the following plan:
- Workouts will only be done after Iftar (the breaking of the fast) at 8pm. The body is too dehydrated and tired beforehand. That would cause dizziness and sore muscles, and it would just be very dangerous to train. Speaking from experience here..
- I will still have 5 meals a day. Starting from 7pm with a small meal to break my fast. A gym session at 8pm with a bottle of Gatorade to help with muscle recovery. Followed by a post-workout meal at 9pm. My 3rd meal would be at 11pm, and 4th at 12am. My last meal would be at 4am before I start the fast for the day.
- The total number of calories would be lower than what I'm having now to avoid any bloating and to allow the body to store the nutrients properly. The meals would be smaller but full of the fats/carbs/protein that I would need to maintain my weight and keep my energy levels high. The plan is to increase the amount of food as the days pass by and my body adapts to the fasting.
- The kind of food I'll be having is tailored for my goals. My body type is Ectomorph, which means I have a very fast metabolism. Every meal I eat will have carbs to help me maintain and give me enough energy throughout the day and the workout. Small meals, filled with simple sugars that I need. For those that are Endomorphs, your plan might be different to help you lose weight, and maintain your calorie deficit. The main goal is controlled and counted calories. For me, it's to ensure I don't bloat and get stomach problems, but also to ensure I'm getting enough of what my body needs.
That's the plan I have now, and will keep you updated on my social media about my progress and changes to this plan as the days pass by.
As important as that is, a physical detox isn't the primary goal of Ramadan. Sure, it has its physical benefits but more importantly, it's a month of mental detox. It's a time to reconnect spiritually, and self-reflect on the year that has passed.
Ramadan teaches us to rid our minds of all the noise, the negative thoughts and anger that we are carrying.
Ramadan teaches us patience in situations we're easily annoyed, and in situations that cause us a lot of worry.
It teaches us to forgive all those who've hurt us, and all the pain that lingers in our minds.
It teaches us to believe stronger in God, and cherish all the blessings He gives us everyday.
Ramadan asks for more mental strength than any other time in the year. So this is my advice to you during Ramadan:
- Spend the entire month focused on helping others in any way you can. Financially or not.
- Put all your focus on practicing gratitude. Cherish the blessings you are surrounded by everyday.
- Pray. Pray that your blessings remain, and your struggles disappear.
- Read the Quran. Whether you're a Muslim or not. Islam teaches us to be kind, and I urge you to read the Quran to understand the true foundations of Islam that are not portrayed in the media nowadays.
- Avoid using bad language, and even negative language. Take it as a month-long challenge to rid yourself of negative words and thoughts, and focus only on the good. Focus on finding the good even in the worst of situations.
In short, take care of yourself during Ramadan. Take care of your body, the only body you'll live for the rest of your life. Better yet, take care of your mind. It controls your life.
Ramadan is a month of detox for everyone. Ramadan Kareem to you, your families and all your loved ones. May it be a month filled with blessings for you all. Let's detox from all bad things! Who's with me? :)
I'm just trying to change the world. #payingitforward