JEDDAH: There are some of us who find ourselves piling on the pounds in Ramadan. Follow these quick tips by nutrition expert Myriam Sakr to stay healthy — and possibly even lose weight — during the Holy Month.
Drink water
With the long fasting hours this year, drinking eight cups of water a day (250 ml each) might seem hard. This quantity can be distributed throughout the night, however. Bear in mind that coffee and black tea are diuretics while juices are high in sugar and, therefore, not an adequate replacement for water. If you are craving something hot, try herbal teas, which are a great replacement for water as they help with digestion.
Snack on whole fruits
Whole fruits are preferred over fruit juices and other fatty sweets since they contain less calories and more fibers, which aid in digestion. Have a whole orange instead of orange juice, for example!
Cut the salt
During Ramadan, having high amounts of salt at night will increase your blood pressure, make you very thirsty the next day and will leave you bloated. It is best to avoid foods that are high in salts, such as ketchup, pickles, olives, packet soups and processed meats.
Have a balanced suhoor meal
You should have a balanced pre-dawn meal that contains whole carbohydrates and fat free proteins so that the glucose levels in your blood will remain regulated the next day and you will not feel dizzy.
Be careful at iftar
Again, a balanced meal is the key to maintaining or losing weight during Ramadan. Two dates, a glass of jallab, half-a-cup of lentil soup, two cups of salad and two cups of a homemade stew will leave you satisfied and ensure you remain healthy throughout the month.
Move it, move it
Try to exercise lightly during the day and keep in mind that the body burns more fat during the fasting period.
Six ways to get healthy this Ramadan
Six ways to get healthy this Ramadan
- Follow these quick tips to stay healthy — and possibly even lose weight — during the Holy Month
- Don't worry, you can still enjoy iftar and maintain a healthy diet
Where We Are Going Today: Crozy
Some desserts look heavy before you even take a bite, but that was not the case at Crozy. From the first try, the pastries were airy, fluffy and light, offering a comforting taste without the feeling of consuming overly high-calorie sweets.
The pastries lean toward a fruity and slightly sweet profile, avoiding the common pitfall of being overwhelmed by sugar. The texture is puffy and delicate, and I genuinely loved and savored my first bite.
I opted for the berry filling, though the menu offers a variety of flavors. The balance between the fruitiness and the soft pastry made the experience feel indulgent yet surprisingly light.
The coffee was another highlight. It had a dark, toasted profile with a rich and favorable coffee taste. What stood out most was the savory aftertaste, which lingered pleasantly and paired beautifully with the sweetness of the pastry. Together, the pastry and coffee created a wonderful combination.
Crozy also stands out for its presentation. The packaging is stylish and thoughtfully designed, and the creativity in the flavors reflects a brand that clearly puts effort into both aesthetics and taste.
Boxes are priced between SR95 ($25.30) and SR200, depending on the size and variety of pastries included.
One downside is accessibility. The brand appears to have only one branch located in Dhahrat Al-Laban, meaning you may need to make a dedicated trip if you want to try it. It is also available via delivery apps.
While the pastries themselves are truly impressive, flavorful, light and beautifully presented, service consistency could improve. On one occasion, an order for creme brulee was substituted with pistachio because the original item was unavailable, which was disappointing.
Despite this, Crozy delivers a memorable dessert experience. The flavors are creative, the pastries are deliciously light, and the coffee pairing makes it a place dessert lovers will likely find themselves returning to.
