Suhoor Foods To Eat – And To Avoid

Health Factory dietitian Shirin Janoos tells us how to navigate those suhoor buffets with ease…

FOODS TO LOVE…

QUINOA SALAD
Quinoa is a complete source of protein that has all the essential amino acids and almost twice the amount of fibre than most other grains. Its high fibre and protein content makes you feel full and gives you energy throughout the day.

EGGS
This dairy product is a nutritional powerhouse. Eggs are loaded with the essential amino acids that you need after fasting and a host of other vitamins and minerals.  Look out for them in suhoor salads or the Arabic favourite shakshouka (poached eggs and tomatoes).

FRESH FRUIT PLATTER
Not only do you get a vitamin fix if you tuck into a fruit platter, but you boost your hydration as well. Banana, melons, apples, pears, kiwi, cherries are all good water sources. And if you can, eat the skin of the fruit too as this is where all those vitamins and free-radical fighting goodies are.

STEAMED VEGETABLES
Suhoor buffets will usually offer steamed vegetables, so make a beeline for this side. Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, kale are high in fibre, vitamins and minerals with anti-inflammatory properties.

FAVA BEANS
Fava beans are a mainstay of Arabic cooking, which is good news for us. Fava beans, chickpeas, red kidney beans, and brown lentils are high in fibre and protein. And if that’s not enough, they are also rich in folic acid, calcium and magnesium, which means they’re good for your heart too. The GI (glycemic index) levels also are low, so beans also help reduce your risk of diabetes.

FOODS TO AVOID…

SAMOSAS
These vegetable or meat pastry treats may be small, but they are deep fried. You’re looking at over 300 calories per samosa.

PICKLES
They may be vegetables, but they are also high in salt, so do yourself a favour and look for some fresh crudités instead.

CARBONATED DRINKS
These long cool drinks may quench your thirst, but they come packed with sugar. One can of cola comes with 10 teaspoons of sugar. Now, picture all that sugar in one cup of tea. Exactly!

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