Does the Ramadan Diet Program Really Work in Helping People Lose Weight?

During the Ramadan, several individuals find this moment to be the best part of the year where they can shed off some pounds. Why is this so? It is because during this season, people are fasting. This means that people are only allowed to eat few meals only and twice a day. Although this is the main concept of Ramadan, does this diet really work for most people? Is it considered a fact that individuals who practice it are indeed able to get rid of excess pounds? Actually, some people find it hard to prevent themselves from eating much during this event because several delicious foods are served at the Iftar table.

Aside from that, most people are very hungry during this time of the year. Due to this reason, they tend to crave for food thus leading them to eat more. According to some individuals, what they experience is that they gain weight during Ramadan instead of losing some. Manal, a 45-year old Kuwaiti said:”Although the meals I eat now are only two main meals, I also eat in between. Also the meals are really big, as I’m hungry at Iftar and I eat a lot for Suhoor so as not to feel hungry the next day. That’s on top of the increased quantity of sweets that I eat during this month, as usually during the year I eat sweets only occasionally, sometimes only once a month, but now I eat sweets every day. I have to go on a diet after Ramadan!”

Surprising isn’t it? Just when you thought that people lose weight during this season, some actually gain some pounds. On the other hand, there are also some who claim that Ramadan is just similar to other months of the year. It is because they are still able to normally and may even eat less. Ibtisam, a 37-year old Syrian expatriate recounts:” I eat the same portions of food, but I move less; I even feel that I eat less during this month than other months, so I don’t feel like I gain weight. The high temperature makes me afraid to go outside as I may feel thirsty when I’m fasting. My favorite sweets are Qatayif with cream and Qemat, which I eat in Ramadan only. I don’t eat many sweets in general, and I prefer the homemade ones.”

Another Kuwaiti also relates:” I admit that I eat less, as now I eat only two meals a day, but I think that I consume more sweets. I visit more people and they always offer many kinds of sweets, and I can’t refuse to eat at least a few. I’m not sure if there is a difference in my weight, but I definitely eat more sweets.” Based from these testimonials, people tend to eat more during this season and find it difficult to lose weight. Delectable foods are always served and people are attracted to sweets. This only goes to show that this diet is not effective to some because starvation or fasting can actually lead one to eat more instead of eating less. For this reason, it would be best not to starve yourself to get a smaller waist. Maintenance of a healthy diet is better to achieve the ideal weight.