There are so many different opinions and stories when it comes to fasting during the Holy month of Ramadan. As an expat freshly relocated to Kuwait, I try to adapt to the cultural habits that I heard about, especially when it comes to experiencing Ramadan. Many have told me that it’s the hardest month of the year, because people starve themselves during the day and eat all night. That just sounds too hard, and harmful for the body. But if done correctly, Ramadan is the perfect time to reset your body and soul.
Time went fast and there it was: Ramadan! Some were happy, some were already suffering. I took the decision to take up fasting before Ramadan officially started (as much as I can: 3 days or 5 days week…) preparing myself mentally for what people call “the torture”.
Everyone started asking me, what for!? I don’t need to lose weight, plus, I’m an expat so no need and it’s unhealthy too… all of this made me even more curious to experience Ramadan on my own to find out more about the truth, or to at least understand all of these different opinions or misconceptions.
As a lifestyle coach, I love testing out different fitness and nutrition methods on myself, and then I enjoy sharing the true experience as it happened. Therefore, I mentally prepared myself and started my first Ramadan journey, I’m saying first because this will officially be my fourth Ramadan to enjoy in Kuwait.
From experiment to experience, I learned all about the REAL benefits of fasting, and enjoying the holiest month that is Ramadan.
As the days passed by, I got carried away and lost myself (in all the good ways) within this new experience. Honestly, I found Ramadan to be the most beneficial time that I have ever experienced in terms of health and wellness.
A quiet and calm month, when everything is less hectic and life slows down, Ramadan gives you time to gather your thoughts together. To relax, breath, pray and sit with yourself. It is a time to meditate and reflect over all aspects of your life.
A ‘food-less’ month gives your system a break, and reverses the damage done over the year. Health wise, Ramadan is a time to detox and speed up the development of your body restoring overall health and reset the genetic code. From my personal experience, Ramadan is the perfect start for a new lifestyle.
Fasting can actually boost health and fitness when it is correctly adapted for everyone’s condition, health and fitness levels. With the right, specialized guidance, one can manage their energy levels and make the most of out of Ramadan to kick start that healthy lifestyle journey they’ve always dreamed about.
My personal advice for a great, beautiful month:
-Use fitness (by having personalized training) to stay sharp.
-Learn all about the importance of eating right, and think nutrients not kcals, quality not quantity. Eat for your body’s needs. and not for what your eyes crave.
-Manage free time effectively. Manage sleeping, resting and stress. Enjoy family time and social gatherings.
-Develop your sense of spirituality during Ramadan!
Have a healthy blessed One!
Anka Oprisor is a local lifestyle coach and Operations Manager at 20Seven Fitness Studios. For more information about Anka Oprisor, please follow her on Instagram @anka_oprisor.
