Ramadan Mubarak! As someone who grew up in a Moroccan household and was raised in a Muslim family, this month holds a special place in my heart. I love the sense of community and devotion that Ramadan brings and the opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth.

But as someone who's also passionate about fitness, I know that fasting during Ramadan can be a challenge. I've been there myself, struggling to maintain my progress and wondering how I'm going to make it through the day without food or water.

That's why I'm excited to launch this series of blogs, where we'll explore how to stay fit and healthy during Ramadan. Over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing tips and insights on everything from modifying your workouts to staying hydrated and avoiding common mistakes.

Speaking of which, let's talk about those mistakes. Here are the top 5 mistakes people make when fasting during Ramadan:

1. Overeating during Iftar
​We've all been there – after a long day of fasting, it's tempting to indulge in all your favorite foods. But overeating can leave you feeling sluggish and bloated, not to mention undoing all the hard work you've put in.

Tip: Try to plan your meals ahead of time and focus on balanced, nutritious foods that will keep you feeling full and energized.
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​Tip: When you're doing your grocery shopping, make a list and stick to it. This will help you resist the urge to buy lots of sweets and other foods that won't help you reach your fitness goals.

2. Not drinking enough water
​Dehydration is a common problem during Ramadan, but it's crucial to stay hydrated in order to maintain your energy levels and overall health.
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​Tip: Set reminders to drink water throughout the day, and try to avoid sugary drinks that can dehydrate you even more.
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​3. Skipping Suhoor
​It's tempting to hit the snooze button and skip the pre-dawn meal, but this can make it much harder to fast during the day. Plus, it can lead to overeating during Iftar and undo all your hard work.
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​Tip: Try to wake up early and have a balanced meal that includes healthy fats, complex carbs, and protein.
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​4. Not getting enough sleep
​Lack of sleep can affect your energy levels, mood, and overall health, making it harder to stick to your fitness goals.

Tip: Try to establish a regular sleep routine and aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
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​5. Not modifying workouts
​During Ramadan, it may be necessary to modify your workouts to accommodate changes in your energy levels and hydration needs. This can be a challenge, but it's important to listen to your body and take care of yourself.
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​Tip: Try to exercise during cooler times of the day, such as an early morning or late evening, and focus on low-intensity activities like yoga or walking.

And that's it for our first newsletter in this series! I hope you found these tips helpful in navigating the challenges of fasting during Ramadan while maintaining your fitness goals.

Remember, Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink, but also about reflecting on our lives, helping others, and striving to be the best version of ourselves.

In the meantime, I encourage you to try out one of the tips mentioned in this blog and let me know how it works for you.

PS: don't forget to share your own experiences with fasting during Ramadan by commenting on this blog post. I'd love to hear from you and learn from your insights!

Ramadan Mubarak!