Ramadhan 2026
🌙 Ramadhan: A Month of Reflection, Kindness, and Renewal
Ramadhan is an annual month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and practising kindness and patience. Muslims fast every day from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from all food and drink (including water).
Meals are eaten:
- Before sunrise: Suhoor
- After sunset: Iftar
Ramadhan falls in the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, so the dates change each year. This year, it is predicted to begin on Wednesday 18th February and end on Wednesday 18th March, followed by the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr.
🧕 Who Fasts?
Fasting is obligatory for all healthy adults. However, exemptions include those who are:
- Unwell
- Elderly
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
Some people with long‑term conditions may still choose to fast. They should be supported to do so as safely as possible.
💧 What Happens in the Body During Fasting?
With no food or drink during the day, the body uses its stored energy from the muscles, liver, and fat to release glucose into the bloodstream.
Because the body cannot store water, it works hard to conserve it. However, fluid loss still occurs — especially in warm weather or during physical activity — making hydration after breaking the fast extremely important.
🌟 Ramadhan Tips for a Healthy Fast
- Hydrate well with nutritious fluids such as smoothies, fruit juice, soups, stews, or jelly.
- Limit salty foods (e.g., cheese, sauces, chutneys) to reduce thirst. Use herbs and spices for flavour instead.
- Drink before and after the fast and pace your hydration.
- Choose balanced meals using the Eatwell Guide. Too many deep‑fried or high‑fat foods can cause weight gain even while fasting.
- Eat mindfully. Slow down, notice hunger and fullness cues, and avoid overeating at iftar as it can cause nausea or stomach upset.
- Select nutrient-rich foods for Suhoor, especially those high in fluid and slow-release energy.
- Dates are a traditional and nutritious way to break the fast. They provide fibre and essential minerals like potassium, copper and manganese.
🍽️ Food Ideas for Iftar and Suhoor
IFTAR
- Drinks: Water, milk, fruit juice or smoothies. Water hydrates without added calories and sugar. Milk and fruit-based drinks offer natural sugars and nutrients. Limit sugary drinks where possible.
- Dates: Excellent for breaking the fast — a source of natural sugars, minerals, and fibre. Alternatives include dried apricots, figs, raisins, or prunes.
- Fruit: Provides quick energy, hydration, vitamins and minerals.
- Soup: Light on the stomach, hydrating, and can be nutritious—especially lentil, bean, vegetable or broth-based soups.
SUHOOR
- Oats: A wholegrain option providing slow-release energy. Try porridge with milk or water and add fruit, nuts, or seeds.
- High‑fibre breakfast cereals: Fortified with vitamins and minerals. Paired with milk, they offer energy and hydration.
- Starchy foods: Options like rice, couscous or rice pudding with fruit. Keep savoury dishes low in salt.
- Yogurt: Rich in protein, calcium, and B vitamins. Combine with fruit and cereal for a balanced Suhoor.
- Wholegrain breads: Wholemeal toast or chapattis add fibre. Avoid pairing with very salty foods like cheese or preserved meats.
🌙 Wishing You a Healthy and Blessed Ramadhan!