Ramadan 2008

[Mommy2ZaidnSalma 11]

for breakfast, i would eat oatmeal and the darkest bread you could find...anything high in dietary fiber will keep you full for much longer...

[Tunisia216 2]

I agree.. oatmeal is a great choice... My main thing is staying away from anything salty - even at night- because then I feel thirsty during the day and it seems worse... But the big meals only seem to happen around here in the first few days, as the month moves on I don't feel that hungry (stomach shrinking I suppose) and after breaking fast, I'm just not that hungry..... But my best tip is stay clear of salty foods, you'll only suffer for it later... and the oatmeal is good, with some fruit if you can, extra fluid, and a little natural sugar boost to help you through the day as the oatmeal keeps you full. ramadan mubarak!!!

PS - This book looks interesting... Might have some good recipes to try for Eid or iftar....

The Arab Table: Recipes and Culinary Traditions

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Arab-...e/9780060586140

[nunyab 0]

cool thanks Ash

[~Jackie~ 30]

Such an exciting time..we have new sisters here learning al fatiha, more experienced sisters sharing tips on enjoying this blessed month of Ramadan. It's nice to see everyone sharing.

Kel, next weekend I'll be going out to your area for dates and bread. Maybe we can meet at Pepe's for a quick lunch

jJ

[Sandrila 1]

The one and only time I was in Morocco with my husband for Ramadan I didnt know a thing about it...and for me to see him so devout during this time gave me alot to think about.

When I was with him I tried to respect for some things because I felt guilty eating drinking and smoking around him.

It was hard for me to understand, although I had come so far for him, I still had to respect these restrictions during the time required and I had to live with it.

Now, while we are apart, he tries to encourage me to be more disciplined and honor Ramadan...I dont know why I keep fighting it and why it always seems to be so hard to do. Now that I am a part of him, he wants me to really honor the time as he does. The number one thing he wants to me to give up, is Drinking.

now, drinking is not a problem for me, but for some reason,, when I feel I HAVE TO DO SOMETHING, like it is not optional, I have a time with it. Does that make me bad? I just feel like, I'll try to do it, but I dont want to promise for it, cuz if I fail, then what??????? I will go to hell? Bad things will happen? I just dont want to be responsible in jeapordizing my husband's purity this time.

So, apart again during Ramadan. I cant exactly empathize...cuz I am not sustaining myself, there during this very strict period but I think I have to really think about what I am going to do.

I am not Muslim and although I have changed myself greatly I am not sure if I HAVE TO abide by these rules if I am not.

Now we have been apart 5 months and I have to consider traveling there again. I told him I am waiting till after Ramadan...I think if I was there I would be a bad influence on him ...being on vacation and wanting to drink and eat and live it up...it just is better if i wait until after Ramadan so we can free together.

[Henia 11]

Well trying to accomdate him esp during his holidays is good manners ... and good relationship builder. Starting slowly maybe one way ... I pray you get the strength for that!

[Staashi 371]

The one and only time I was in Morocco with my husband for Ramadan I didnt know a thing about it...and for me to see him so devout during this time gave me alot to think about.

When I was with him I tried to respect for some things because I felt guilty eating drinking and smoking around him.

It was hard for me to understand, although I had come so far for him, I still had to respect these restrictions during the time required and I had to live with it.

Now, while we are apart, he tries to encourage me to be more disciplined and honor Ramadan...I dont know why I keep fighting it and why it always seems to be so hard to do. Now that I am a part of him, he wants me to really honor the time as he does. The number one thing he wants to me to give up, is Drinking.

now, drinking is not a problem for me, but for some reason,, when I feel I HAVE TO DO SOMETHING, like it is not optional, I have a time with it. Does that make me bad? I just feel like, I'll try to do it, but I dont want to promise for it, cuz if I fail, then what??????? I will go to hell? Bad things will happen? I just dont want to be responsible in jeapordizing my husband's purity this time.

So, apart again during Ramadan. I cant exactly empathize...cuz I am not sustaining myself, there during this very strict period but I think I have to really think about what I am going to do.

I am not Muslim and although I have changed myself greatly I am not sure if I HAVE TO abide by these rules if I am not.

Now we have been apart 5 months and I have to consider traveling there again. I told him I am waiting till after Ramadan...I think if I was there I would be a bad influence on him ...being on vacation and wanting to drink and eat and live it up...it just is better if i wait until after Ramadan so we can free together.

I'm with Henia on this...I think you could show him this small sign of your love and devotion. Everyone makes sacrifices - if you're Catholic (which might be a possibility if you're from Philly) look at it like Lent and give up alcohol for this time. You can do it...(no disrespect to my MENA Muslimahs) see it as a month-long detox to put you on a better path, which will prepare you for your DH's arrival in America.

Bless you...I know you'll make the right decision for you and him.

[Tunisia216 2]

I agree with Staashi and Henia..... It seems a really small request- but I do understand what you are saying regarding someone telling you not to do something and that overwhelming feeling to do it anyway .... Maybe reverse psychology will work if he tells you to do it? I'm just kidding!!

but in all seriousness it sounds like he's a good guy who is doing the right thing as a Muslim and introducing things very gently to you.. Even if you are not planning to become a Muslim yourself.... It's worth the compliment that he is being gentle... And knowing the mindset of some MENA men he may just be worried about your health or something like this as opposed to a religious aspect... Even though we know here science has said there are some benefits to the occasional glass of wine .. Most MENA countries don't subscribe to that school of thought...

In the end do what is best for you, but it could be a very simple gesture to show him that you respect him... Communication with him is going to be key on this one!!

[venusfire503 54]

I was just wondering the best way to 'ease into' Ramadan for someone who is new to it. I am waiting a little later each day to eat to get my body used to it, but someone told me it might not make things easier, but actually harder - I'm making myself weaker for the start of Ramadan.

Does anyone have any tips on how to help adjust to this for someone new to it? I asked my husband, but he's been doing it since he was a child.

Thanks!

[Muh and me 18]

I was just wondering the best way to 'ease into' Ramadan for someone who is new to it. I am waiting a little later each day to eat to get my body used to it, but someone told me it might not make things easier, but actually harder - I'm making myself weaker for the start of Ramadan.

Does anyone have any tips on how to help adjust to this for someone new to it? I asked my husband, but he's been doing it since he was a child.

Thanks!

I too need the same advice. I was gonna just type about this myself. I am new to Ramadan and want to so make my husband proud of me. I just don't know how i can go without eating all day, when thats all they ever do in my office. And when i get bored at home, well that refrig, has such good stuff in it. I know self discpline is needed and i'm not good with that. so if anyone has any suggestions, they would be appreciated.

[polarbear 0]

I was just wondering the best way to 'ease into' Ramadan for someone who is new to it. I am waiting a little later each day to eat to get my body used to it, but someone told me it might not make things easier, but actually harder - I'm making myself weaker for the start of Ramadan.

Does anyone have any tips on how to help adjust to this for someone new to it? I asked my husband, but he's been doing it since he was a child.

Thanks!

I too need the same advice. I was gonna just type about this myself. I am new to Ramadan and want to so make my husband proud of me. I just don't know how i can go without eating all day, when thats all they ever do in my office. And when i get bored at home, well that refrig, has such good stuff in it. I know self discpline is needed and i'm not good with that. so if anyone has any suggestions, they would be appreciated.

You need to just take it one day at a time - I don't know how to do more than that. The first week was the hardest for me, after that it's almost habit.

Last year was my first year and I just made sure I drank lots of water the day before and had a game plan, then got really stuborn and told myself I was going to make it through at least one day and it wasn't going to kill me!.... Then I told myself if I did it the day before I could do it again.... ect... I work in a kitchen and really, it just took me being stubborn about it and digging in my heals like the bull-head I am

[sandinista! 1,816]

fasting is done for God, not husbands or anyone else, for starters.

[doodlebugg 10]

fasting is done for God, not husbands or anyone else, for starters.

Exactly. If I had the mindset that I was fasting to make my husband happy I'd be making him miserable in no time flat and I'd resent the snot out of him!!!

What keeps me going is knowing why I'm doing it and truly believing it. One month is but a blink of an eye compared to eternity. That's what keeps me going, though I have to say lately when I don't have any food in my stomach I feel very nauseous so this year might be a wee more difficult to work while fasting.

[Jenn! 918]

Well, people do manage to fast for other reasons besides religious ones. It can be done.

[Muh and me 18]

Excuse me i worded that wrong. I want to do it for myself. But i want my husband to be proud that even if i failed i tried. Jeez