If one wants to see a change, then consistency is key.
I have been trying to replace my bad eating habits with good ones since the start of Ramadaan and I am happy to announce that although the healthy eating spree was challenging, it actually became palatably easy, because I stuck to it 90% of the time (“Don’t go into boeka unarmed”, Southern Mail, May 30).
Meanwhile, fasting became a norm as our bodies become attuned to the ritual of eating breakfast (suhoor) and supper (iftaar) every day at more or less the same time for 21 days.
Ramadaan is divided into three parts. The first 10 days Muslims will seek the mercy of Allah, the second 10 days will be to seek the forgiveness of Allah and the last 10 days will be focused on seeking refuge and asking Allah to save them from the fire of hell.
The last 10 days should not be difficult as one will be spending so much time in prayer throughout the night, and eating will be the furthest thing from the mind.
I did a bit of googling and found that there were many differences of opinions on how long it takes to change a habit – but I latched on to the 21/90 rule which refers to the fact that it takes 21 days to create a habit, and 90 days to create a lifestyle, according to Gretchen Rubin, the author of The Happiness Project.
She said after researching habits, a study showed that if you miss a day here or there when you’re trying to develop a habit, it doesn’t derail the process, so don’t get discouraged if you can’t keep a perfect track record.
But the first days seem to make the biggest difference, so it’s worth trying to be particularly diligent at the beginning of the attempted-habit-acquisition process.
I agree with her.
I have been eating healthy desserts after breaking my fast and eating food and I became used to it. I no longer crave refined sugary treats or oily deep-fried savouries. I did, however, cheat once or twice, but the basic rule was to plate the good stuff.
So far, I’ve been consistent in making healthy treats and I do feel much healthier than during previous Ramadaan months. I’ve had regular cleansing of the bowels and never suffered headaches or dizziness.
I calculated how many bad treats I used to have previously during Ramadaan and discovered that if I had two samoosas a day, I would be consuming 60 samoosas a month and that was only samoo-
sas.
The cherry on the cake is not only do I feel energetic and strong, I have also lost 2kg without do-
ing the usual combination of running and exercise five times a
week.
However, do a bit of yoga and go on a long walk once a week.
The nice thing about fasting
is, when I walk, I don’t get thirs-
ty.
I am also human and in the evenings when there are “lekke stuff” on the table, I really feel like having a pancake or a “vet koekie”. So, I find replacements – such as pancakes, with health-friendly ingredients.
I made a banana crepe with coconut flour and honey.
I also had fish and veggies such as sweet potatoes, carrots and butternut. I don’t need to eat rice with it as the veggies are filling.
For snack time, I made a coconut paradise bar mixed with coconut oil, honey and covered with 75% dark chocolate.
I would like to try out salted peanut butter dark chocolate avocado truffles or coconut flour chocolate chip cookies for Eid.
Talking about Eid, that will be another challenge. Next week I will convey how I plan to navigate the celebration.
If you have any healthy recipes that work for you, please share
and email roshan.abrahams@inl.co.za
