Breakfast is the most important meal of the day—and that still stands during Ramadan. What you eat during suhoor needs to sustain you until iftar, so choose your dishes carefully. Skipping suhoor completely or consuming unhealthy food (read: fried food) can leave you feeling sluggish and lethargic for the rest of the day. With 15-hour long fasts this year, it’s essential to eat the right foods and drink plenty of water to stay energized and hydrated throughout the day—and the Holy Month. Still not sure what to eat for suhoor? We round up ten healthy, energy-boosting foods to incorporate into your pre-dawn meal that will keep you revitalized, hydrated, and full until iftar.
What to Eat for Suhoor to Stay Hydrated (and Awake)
Oatmeal
Rich in carbohydrates and proteins, oatmeal is a delicious source of energy. Serve with sliced bananas, walnuts, and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a healthy burst of flavor without the added calories.
Brown rice
This energy-boosting superfood is spiked with proteins and carbohydrates to keep you energized throughout the day. Another plus point? Brown rice aids weight loss, so you won’t have to worry about fitting into your Eid dress.
Nuts
Incorporate nuts into your suhoor meal to replenish and boost your energy levels. Almonds and walnuts are packed with good fats, which will help you stay full throughout the day. Nuts are also good to munch on if you aren’t very hungry, but would still like to eat something.
Yogurt
Yogurt is an easy grab-and-go snack that is loaded with essential vitamins, lactose, and protein—which aid in boosting and maintaining energy levels. Add some granola, nuts, or fruits for an extra blast of flavor. You can even opt for laban (a liquid version of yogurt) that aids indigestion and helps to keep you hydrated.
Eggs
Egg yolk contains a high dose of B vitamins, which convert food into energy. Serve them scrambled, boiled, or eat them poached for a healthy and hearty suhoor.
Fish
Smoked salmon, canned tuna, and sardines are hailed as some of the healthiest foods in the world for their endless vitality-boosting benefits. If you opt for fish during suhoor, avoid frying it, as fried foods can make you feel bloated and thirstier than usual.
Poultry
White meat poultry (turkey and chicken) is a good source of protein and boasts a variety of energy-yielding nutrients. Use the leftover chicken from iftar to make a healthy and filling sandwich come suhoor time.
Lentils
Loaded with carbohydrates and fibers, lentils release steady, slow-burning energy. The low-calorie legumes can be sprinkled into a salad or served as a soup with a slice of whole wheat bread.
Fruits & vegetables
Staying hydrated is essential during Ramadan. You can partially hydrate your body by consuming foods that boast a high water content. These include watermelon, strawberries, peaches, oranges, tomatoes, cucumbers, spinach, celery, and lettuce. Remember to drink plenty of water during suhoor.
