5 tips for a healthier Ramadan on P.E.I.

The Island's Muslim community is getting ready for Ramadan, aholy time during the ninth month of the lunar-based Islamic calendar,when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset for about 30 days.

During Ramadan, Muslims aim to disconnect from the material world and seek a deeper spiritual connection with God. This year Ramadan isexpected to begin on May 5and last until June 4 though that could change asthosedates are determined by the sighting of a new moon.

Omair Imtiaz was born and raised in Dubai. In 2007, he moved to the Maritimes to pursue an education in biology and health care. He works nights in Belfast, P.E.I.,at the John Gillis Memorial Lodge as a personal support worker. He's an active member of the Muslim community on the Island andvolunteers with various outreach programs to fundraise for causes related tocancer and The Heart and Stroke Foundation.

While he isn't a medical expert, he's been participating in Ramadanhis whole life. Here are a few tips and tricks he's learned along the way to staying healthy during Ramadan.

1. Drink water

"Hydration is definitely one of the most important factors for Ramadan,"Imtiazsaid.

Because Muslims aren't able to drink between the hours of dawn and dusk it's extra important to make sure to drink plenty of water, Imtiaz said. He recommendswalking around with a reusable water bottle after dusk. That way it's always in your hands as a friendly reminder.

2. Don't overeat

WhileRamadanrequires you tofastevery day for 29 or 30 days from dawn to dusk it doesn't necessarily mean you'll lose weight,Imtiaz said.

"You would think that you'd lose weight but ... a lot of people, what they end up doing iseating a lot, like just gorging on food after sunset and ... then you actually end up gaining weight,"Imtiazsaid.

Imtiazsuggestseating only until you feel full and satisfied.

"You definitely don't want to be hungry and thirsty all day and then end up completely filling your belly," he said.

3. Make healthy food choices

Over the years, Imtiaz says, he sees family and friends gravitate toward deep-fried, oily foods that arehigh in sodiumwhen breaking fast during Ramadan.

Imtiaz says eating a few dates during sohoor the meal eaten at dawn before fasting begins is a great way to start the day and, in his experience, can abate headaches and dizzy spells from fasting.

4. Keep moving

"If you've eaten moderately then you will not feel lethargic, you'll feel like you'll be able to go around, go for a walk. And it's highly recommended actually,"Imtiaz said.

While it's probably not suggested to continue your intense daily two-hour workout during Ramadan, going for awalk or a jog for about 20 minutes is definitely manageable, he said.

"Fasting really should never be an excuse not to do anything,"Imtiaz said.Staying fit during Ramadan just takes a little bit of planning ahead and adjustment to make sure it works for you, he said.

5. Catch some extra Zs

Fasting can be draining and taking an afternoon nap is a good idea, Imtiaz says.Although not everyone is able to find a quiet place to rest due to school and work schedules if you're able to, it definitely helps torecharge your energy so you can make it to dusk.

He recommends taking a cat nap around 1:30 p.m. or 5 p.m. after prayers.

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