Ramadan in Pakistan is not just like any other month. It’s the month where our lives completely change. Our eating patterns are different, our sleeping patterns are different, work patterns change, and likewise a lot of other things too; but, we live every day to the fullest in this month.

This month is the month of celebration and pure joy for many of us. One very important thing that also changes in our lives during Ramadan is how we stay hydrated. While some of us fill up on water as soon as we break the fast, others start consuming more water later in the evening.

Many of us often find ourselves in compromised positions if we do not consume enough water or liquids to keep us hydrated. Dehydration is very common in Ramadan which is why many of us also consume liquids like lemonade, juices, shakes, squashed, and other water or milk-based drinks.

Staying hydrated is extremely important, especially during Ramadan so that while you are fasting, you can operate properly during the day and do not feel too thirsty.

Here are 4 Ramadan Special Drinks you can have to stay hydrated and energetic:

Pink Lemonade

This Pink Lemonade is a perfect Iftari drink that tastes amazing. This lemonade tastes so refreshing that your energy will instantly revive if you have it at Iftar. We all have tried the regular lemonade but making it a little differently sometimes will only make the Iftaris more interesting and worthwhile.

Badam Ka Sharbat

Badam Ka Sharbat has been passed on from generations. It is almost like a tradition to have Badam Ka Sharbat at Iftari in a lot of houses and you wouldn’t be surprised why this has never gone out of fashion if you give it a try. It revitalizes your energy like no other. Almonds are beneficial for the health so this Sharbat is not only delicious but also great from the health perspective.

Milkshakes

Milkshakes are always a hit, be it at the Iftar table or have them for Sehri. Pakistanis usually have a rather fattening Iftari but that does not have to be the case for you. Having milkshakes for Iftar can curb your hunger and give you a healthy kick. If you have these for Sehri, these will keep you full and satisfied for a longer period of time.

Banana Oat Smoothie

Banana Oat Smoothie is one of the healthiest drinks you have tried this Ramadan. This makes a perfect Sehri. It’s healthy and wholesome. Take a break from those oily Sehris and have this instead to stay super active even while you are fasting!

Ramadan is the month where Muslims built a stronger connection with Allah by bringing changes in how they conduct themselves in their daily lives. Muslims try being on their best behavior; making charities, celebrating the Muslim brotherhood, performing prayers, and forming better habits in life.

Ramadan is the month where we are consciously aware of whatever we are doing. We can’t possibly blame Satan for our wrongdoings which is why we consciously try to become better Muslims and humans as well.

This month gives us a chance to repent to Allah and ponder over our conduct in our regular lives. This month gives us the perfect opportunity to make amends and progress towards good habits to live better lives.

We often give our best during this month and go back to our regular lives once Ramadan ends. However, what should be done is that the amends we have tried making during this month should become a part of our lives so that we lead better lives.

Here are 4 Habits you can take on from Ramadan for the rest of the year as well:

Maintain the habit of praying

Praying Salah is the second pillar of Islam and Islam teaches that there is no forgiveness for missed Salahs. Ramadan helps Muslims develop the habit of praying five times a day which can easily be continued for the rest of the year as well. If you have regularly prayed Salah this month then try maintaining Salah for life now.

Charitable acts

Muslims are extra generous with their charities during the month of Ramadan for two main reasons. Firstly, Allah promises 70 times more reward for every good deed and we try to give our best. The second reason is that the entire concept of fasting revolves stepping into the shes of those fellows who starve out of hunger because they do not have enough to provide for themselves.

If you have given out charities this month, you should start allotting a certain percentage of your income for charity, so that your charities keep changing the life of your poor brothers and sisters all around the year.

Helping around the house

Ramadan is the month where everyone tries to be more considerate towards the other. Every member of the family tries to help in the kitchen; some try to do the dishes, while others help in cooking and some help with cleaning. This spirit of helping around the house should continue all year round so that one or two members of the family are not overburdened while others rest.

Eating together

During Ramadan, Muslims tend to gather around the dining table to break the fast or during the time of Suhoor. This month encourages all members of the family to sit together for meals which could be done every day in our lives too. Eating together builds a stronger bond among the family members.

For Pakistanis Ramadan is all about fasting, food, celebration, and praying. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Ramadan is a month where Pakistanis celebrate every single day and enjoy every bit of it.

While some people like to enjoy their Ramadan food by having a lot of fried, creamy, and full of fat foods, others take it as an opportunity to lose weight and get back in shape.

In fact, Ramadan can be the perfect time to shed off a few pounds because who doesn’t want the perfect Eid look?

Here are 4 tips on how to stay healthy during:

Don’t skip Suhoor 

Sehri should not be skipped; it should be about consuming wholesome foods that keep you active throughout the day. A healthy Sehri will help you stay energized all day long so that your routine work is not affected. Try including foods rich in protein and dairy products so that you are not dull during the fasting period.  

Avoid overeating at Iftaar

The most basic thing to remember is that while you fasted all day and you are looking forward to food, you should not go overboard with it. You should not be consuming food just for the sake of it. Stop when you feel like you are almost full because after this point all that you’ll have would be overeating. Pakistanis are all about having fried and unhealthy foods at the Iftaar table so try avoiding those things and try adding more fruits and other baked items at the table. 

Consume a balanced diet

Just because it is Ramadan and you have waited for it all year round, does not mean you have to forget all what you used to have and start having fattening foods. Always remember that healthy is the way to go. Consume 2-3 small meals to stay nourished and healthy. If you are having three meals, have a salad or fruit in one of them. Avoid having too many carbohydrates, fried foods, or sweetened drinks. These are not just fattening but also harmful for the internal body organs.

Have plenty of water

Often during Ramadan our water intake decreases. As the time period for consuming food and drinks shortens, we forget to fulfill the water requirement of our body. Consuming at least 2-3 liters of water is essential or you will feel extremely dehydrated. Keep a tab of how many glasses of water you are consuming so that your body does not feel dehydrated. Another important reason to have water is that a lot of times we feel hungry and having water at that time will help you curb a huge part of your hunger which will lead to a decreased appetite. 

A name that we hadn’t even heard up until a few years ago has very rapidly become one of our favourite teatime snack.

First introduced by the popular South African multinational fast food chain Nando’s that specialises in flame-grilled peri-peri style chicken. Founded in Johannesburg in 1987, Nando’s operates over 1,200 outlets in 30 countries. Their logo depicts the Rooster of Barcelos, one of the most common symbols of Portugal.

How Does ‘Peri Bites’ Get Its Name

Everyone knows what peri bites are and we love eating them with our tea or as an appetizer but how do these delicious stuffed chillies get their name? Here is how.

The word Peri comes from the world famous African Bird’s Eye Chilli and the term Piri piri simply means “pepper pepper” in Swahili. The owners of Nando’s gave the term a twist and created the globally popular sauce called the peri-peri sauce. The sauce is one of the most important ingredient used to marinate the chicken that is stuffed in the chillies.

The peri-peri sauce itself consists of crushed chiles, lemon, pepper, garlic, salt, onion, bay leaves, vinegar, and oil. All of the ingredients of the sauce are pureed together.

Peri-peri is actually considered to be quite healthy. It is rich in vitamins and minerals — and holds metabolism enhancing and curative properties. The green variety is packed with Vitamin C. The red genre has more Vitamin A than fresh carrot — and sun drying increases the carotene content.

Peri Bites Recipe

Peri peri bites recipe are basically green chillies filled with minced chicken mixed with peri-peri sauce, mayonnaise amongst many other ingredients. The chillies are coated in breadcrumbs and fried. For a more detailed recipe, do visit Masala TV’s website or watch our certified make the peri peri bite recipe on our YouTube channel.

For the people that are in love with these mouth-watering chilies, deep-fried with a crisp coat, cheesy center with a little chunk of their famous peri-basted chicken and instead of ordering them every time from Nandos are looking for a more pocket-friendly alternative by making this delicacy at home that is still true to the authentic and delicious flavour should visit Masala TV’s website.

You can also find a step-by-step tutorial on YouTube by the amazing and certified chefs of Masala TV.

If too much spice isn’t your cup of tea, you can also find various recipes of different dips to choose from on Masala TV’s website or can even use a store bought sauce.

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