5 Types of Food to Avoid During Iftar and Suhoor for Optimal Health!

Kapanlagi.com - The month of Ramadan is a blessed moment, where we can strengthen our faith while also maintaining our body's health. During fasting, eating patterns become key to ensuring we remain fit and energetic throughout the day. However, we often unconsciously choose less suitable foods during suhoor and iftar, which can disrupt our health and comfort while fasting.

During suhoor, it is important to select foods that provide long-lasting energy and do not quickly trigger feelings of hunger or weakness. Similarly, during iftar, the choice of food should support the body's recovery after a day of fasting, rather than making the stomach feel overly full or uncomfortable.

To help you observe fasting in a healthier and more comfortable way, here are five types of food that should be avoided during suhoor and iftar, along with explanations of why they are not recommended.

Let’s take a look together so that our fasting becomes more meaningful and enjoyable, as reported by Kapanlagi.com from various sources, Wednesday (5/3/2025).

1. Fried Foods

At iftar, who can resist the temptation of fried foods like bakwan, risoles, or fried chicken?

Although they taste delicious, we should think twice before indulging in them because of their high saturated fat content, which can disrupt our health.

Fried foods are hard to digest and can make the stomach feel heavy after a day of fasting.

In addition, excessive fat consumption increases the risk of cholesterol, especially if we keep consuming it during Ramadan.

As a healthier alternative, try replacing fried risoles with steamed ones or enjoy skinless roasted chicken.

This step is not only better for health but also helps the body recover optimally after fasting.

2. Foods High in Sugar Content

At iftar, dates and sweet drinks are indeed the star that tempts the appetite.

However, be wary of excessive sugar consumption from syrup, sweet tea, or moist cakes, which can cause drastic spikes in blood sugar levels.

As a result, the body may feel weak because it has to work extra to balance blood sugar.

Additionally, excess sugar can also lead to weight gain, which is often a complaint during Ramadan.

As an alternative, try replacing sweet drinks with fresh fruit juice without added sugar, and enjoy dates in moderation as a source of natural energy.

In this way, you can stay energized without worrying about excessive sugar spikes!

3. Spicy Food

Spicy foods like sambal and curry can indeed stimulate the appetite, making them a favorite for many during sahur or iftar.

However, for those with digestive issues, such as gastritis, the enjoyment of these spicy dishes can lead to stomach irritation and discomfort due to increased stomach acid production.

Not only that, but the more intense feeling of thirst can also disrupt the comfort of fasting.

So, if you are a fan of spicy flavors, it's best to choose milder seasonings or use chili in moderation.

This way, you can still enjoy the tempting flavors without compromising your stomach health during Ramadan.

4. Soda Drinks

When breaking the fast, many are tempted to enjoy the refreshing sensation of soda drinks.

However, behind that refreshing sensation lies a high sugar content and gas that can make the stomach feel bloated and uncomfortable.

In addition to burdening the body after a day of fasting, soda also does not provide adequate hydration for a body that has lost fluids.

As a healthier alternative, try plain water, coconut water, or herbal tea without sugar.

These drinks are not only better for your health, but also effective in restoring the body's vitality after fasting.

5. Instant Food

Instant noodles and nuggets are indeed practical choices for sahur, but did you know that these foods contain high sodium levels that can accelerate fluid loss during fasting?

Besides being low in nutrition and providing insufficient energy to withstand hunger throughout the day, excessive consumption can also increase the risk of high blood pressure.

As a healthier alternative, try sahur menus with complex carbohydrates like brown rice, along with fresh vegetables and protein from eggs or tofu.

With the right food choices, you will not only feel more energetic, but also be able to go through Ramadan more comfortably and healthily.

Remember, the key to maintaining health during fasting lies in what you consume during sahur and iftar!

(kpl/rao)