During Ramadan, daily routines and food consumption habits change drastically. And with almost 15-hour fasting this year, taking care of your skin can be a cause of concern. Heat and fasting can sometimes affect your skin as your body can lose important vitamins and minerals. Luckily, eating a well-balanced, nutrient-dense Sohour meal and drinking plenty of water can help you stay positively glowing from the inside out, promote your cognitive functions, keep you as hydrated as possible, help you feel more energised, and make fasting more tolerable for your body. Experts agree that the combination of protein, whole grains, healthy fats, and fruit or vegetables in a balanced Sohour meal can help you feel full, provide your body with the required nutrition to function optimally, and keep you revitalised and feeling full until Iftar. Skipping Sohour or consuming unhealthy food can leave you feeling inactive and tired for the rest of the day. Here are some Sohour ideas to stay feeling full and looking good this Ramadan: Whole grain cereals and fruit Whole grain cereals and fruit: The benefits of these are anything but ordinary. Whole grains are chock-full of antioxidants, which are key ingredients for a youthful skin. Fruit like strawberries and apricots are wonderful for promoting healthy skin. Green tea, blueberry, and banana smoothie Green tea, blueberry, and banana smoothie: Studies have shown that drinking green tea before going out in the sun helps decrease damage from UV rays, and its potent antioxidants also provide protection against skin cancer. Mixing in blueberries and bananas also increases the antioxidant power of this smoothie. A recent study found that the ellagic acid in blueberries might actually help to prevent skin damage. Healthy snacks to make skin glow Healthy snacks to make skin glow: In order to ensure radiant, healthy looking skin when fasting, raise your antioxidant intake in Iftar and Sohour. Eat foods that are rich in fibre and antioxidants and can help to repair dehydrated skin, such as berries, almonds, dark chocolate and cashews. They're packed with healthy fibre, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and proteins that help to augment and maintain your skin's inner glow. Drink infused water Drink infused water: Fasting dehydrates the skin, so it's important to make sure that you rehydrate between Iftar and Sohour. Drink at least eight glasses of water in addition to any other fluids. If you do not like plain water, you can infuse it with fruits, boosting your immune system, flushing out toxins, and keeping you hydrated, and all calorie-free. Great combinations to infuse your water with include lemon, cucumber, mint, orange, ginger, strawberries or blueberries. Strawberry and kiwi smoothie Strawberry and kiwi smoothie: This smoothie gives you a heavy dose of skin-smoothing vitamin C, which promotes collagen synthesis and prevents wrinkling. Oatmeal Oatmeal: Rich in carbohydrates and proteins, oatmeal is a delicious source of energy. Serve with sliced bananas, strawberries or apples, walnuts, and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a healthy burst of flavour without added calories.
Brown bread with cream cheese and smoked salmon Brown bread with cream cheese and smoked salmon: Smoked salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3s, forms of fatty acid that can restore the glow to the skin.
