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Ramadan is a time of introspection, spirituality, and endurance. But it’s also a time to take care of one’s health and wellbeing. At the American School of Creative Science –Al Barsha, one of the best American curriculum schools in Dubai, students are encouraged to have a balanced diet during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Many children find it difficult to get up early for suhoor, but it is the meal that gives their growing bodies the nutrients they need to have a successful fast. Skipping suhoor will lead to lethargy, low energy reserves, and lack of concentration in school and at home. Eggs, cheese, and oats are excellent balanced options for suhoor because they release energy slowly and are packed with nutrients.

One important lesson for children to learn during Ramadan is that food should not be thought of as the prize at the end of the tunnel, but rather as a blessing to be slowly savored. As such, it should help nourish our bodies rather than simply be a tasty treat. After a day of fasting, it can be difficult for children to resist unhealthy junk foods in favor of nutritious options. That’s why it’s so important for parents to help their children understand how to break their fast in a healthy way.

For iftar, help children avoid fatty and fried foods, which will lead to upset stomach in the short-term and weight gain and clogged arteries in the long-term. It’s also important for children to eat slowly so that food is digested properly, rather than cramming as much food in their mouth as possible. Eating too fast leads to indigestion, gas, and heartburn. And instead of sugar-filled desserts and sugary drinks, offer your children fruits, dried fruits, fruit salads, and allow them to drink fresh juices.

For some vegetables, add lentil, vegetable or tomato soup to your iftar table, giving your children a healthy starter option that’s also rich in water content. For good carbs, opt for whole grain bread, brown rice or potatoes. Eat protein that contains amino acids, such as yogurt, fish, cheese, poultry, beef or turkey, which are used by your body to build muscle mass, and are essential for growing children.

Of course, to break your fast, it’s traditional to have some dates, which contain natural sugar that will give your children some much needed energy and banish any lingering headaches. It’s also a good idea to make sure your child drinks water before eating to prevent dehydration. Do not keep fizzy drinks on the table because they are full of sugar and will increase your children’s feelings of thirst during their fast, as will caffeinated beverages. Instead, keep offering them water or coconut water so that they stay hydrated.

As one of the best American schools in Dubai , American School of Creative Science – Al Barsha encourages students to be mindful of maintaining healthy eating habits during Ramadan. The Holy Month should be a time for cleansing the body, as well as the mind. In other words, to be healthy spiritually one should have a healthy diet.