Ramadan is all about the joy of giving back and treating yourselves to festive meals every day for a month. The daily eating schedule changes between a healthy suhoor and a satisfying iftar. From kibbeh to samosa, and that decadent kunafa, many fried and sugary dishes are part of the Ramadan spread.

There is nothing wrong with some indulgence, but it also needs to be balanced with healthy additions to the diet. This is why, Qatar’s Hamad Medical Corp, has launched an app to map out a healthy lifestyle plan for Ramadan. The interactive platform provides guidance on tackling health-related issues while fasting.

It addresses pregnancy during Ramadan, rescheduling medication, hydration, and overeating. Apart from advice on dental health, the Qatar Health portal also addresses habits such as smoking during the month. The proper diet mitigates the effects of abstaining from food and water and brings out the health benefits of fasting.

Simple things such as consuming ten glasses of water between iftar and suhoor make a lot of difference. Drinking too much water at once just before fasting only leaves you bloated and tired. Beans, lentils, and fruits are ideal for providing enough energy to stay productive throughout the day.

For iftar, dates reenergize people for praying throughout the evening, and vegetables along with grilled meats provide protein. At the same time, people with diabetes need to watch their sugar levels, which is where Qatar Health helps.

Other Ramadan-focused initiatives in the region include UAE-based Talabat’s digital support for the one billion meals campaign. Users can securely donate food parcels of five different sizes using the app. The campaign, launched by Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed for people in crisis, is a tech-savvy way to give back to society.

Apps for sound sleep, scheduling tasks, and facilitating prayers are also available for people to make the most of Ramadan. Online workouts are also an option to be considered for a healthy and fulfilling holy month.