Ramadhan Around The World - In Pictures

Indian Muslims offer prayers at the Jama mosque in Delhi, India. Photograph: Manish Swarup/AP

Muslims eat at dusk at the historic Niujie mosque in Beijing, China. Photograph: Kevin Frayer/Getty Images

Chinese Muslims of the Hui ethnic minority pray over food before breaking their fast. Photograph: Kevin Frayer/Getty Images

Muslim devotees offer prayers on the first Friday of Ramadan at Taj-ul mosque in Bhopal, India. Photograph: Sanjeev Gupta/EPA

A boy sells food by the river Buriganga in the evening in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Photograph: Andrew Biraj/Reuters

An Iranian clergyman prays among the other worshippers at the shrine of Saleh, a Shia saint, in northern Tehran. Photograph: Ebrahim Noroozi/AP

Nearly 3,000 Muslims at a fast-breaking dinner in Taksim Square, Istanbul, on Wednesday this week. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Indian Muslims sit before their iftar (breaking of fast) meal at the Jama masjid (Grand mosque) in the old quarters of Delhi. Photograph: Anindito Mukherjee/Reuters

A woman eats with her child by the river Buriganga during the holy month of Ramadan in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Photograph: Andrew Biraj/Reuters

Clashes break out between Israeli police and Palestinian youths during the noon prayer in Ras al-Amud, Jerusalem, Israel. Teenager Mohamed Abu Khdeir is thought to have been murdered earlier this week in a revenge attack for the killing of three Israeli teenagers two weeks ago. Photograph: Ilia Yefimovich/Getty Images

Pakistani devotees offer Friday prayers in Karachi. Photograph: Rizwan Tabassum/AFP/Getty Images

Muslim youths pray atop auto-rickshaws in front of al-Satie mosque in Manila, Philippines. Photograph: Romeo Ranoco/Reuters

Muslims offer Friday prayers at Istiqlal mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia. Photograph: Achmad Ibrahim/AP

A Palestinian Muslim waits for a bus near Ramallah, West Bank, on the way to Friday prayers at al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. Photograph: Ilia Yefimovich/Getty Images

5 Tips Keeps Healthy During Ramadhan Fasting

During Ramadan, practicing Muslims change their eating habits dramatically.

Questioned by Relaxnews, nutritionist Charlotte Debeugny provided her recommendations to religious fasters looking to make the most out of this festive time of year.

1. Pack in fiber and protein at Suhoor

Suhoor and Iftar, the two daily meals during Ramadan, are taken before dawn and after dusk, respectively. Suhoor is crucial, as it is the faster's last meal before facing the day. So it is important to make sure this pre-dawn meal contains protein (found in eggs, cheese, yogurt, nuts, etc.) and fiber (fruit, vegetables, whole grains, etc.), both of which help stave off hunger over a long period.

2. Avoid overeating after sundown

After a day of deprivation, there is a strong temptation to overindulge at Iftar. To curb the pangs of hunger before reaching for calorie-rich foods, try having a bowl of cold soup or a healthy salad. The evening meal should also include protein, whole grains and vegetables.

Especially during Ramadan, it is important to avoid empty calories and junk food, to eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables per day, and to ensure that each meal includes healthy portions of protein and dairy products.

3. Eat almonds and dates instead of rich desserts

While Ramadan is a festive time of year, it has the potential to negatively impact one's health. Eating at night rather than during the day affects the body's metabolism, thus increasing the risk of weight gain. Fasting can also lead to cravings for foods that are high in sugar and fat, which can also impact your waistline. Charlotte Debeugny recommends eating a few dates or almonds instead of the extremely calorie-rich pastries served during Ramadan, such as baklava or halva.

4. Avoid the sun and stay hydrated

To stay in shape during a fast, it is also advisable to stay out of the sun, spend most of the day in cool places and avoid strenuous exercise. Eating fruit before sunrise is a good idea, as the water it contains helps to hydrate the body during the day. Be careful not to drink too much water at once. Coffee and tea are to be avoided, as they can actually lead to increased thirst and dehydration. For additional energy, try drinking smoothies or fruit juice diluted with water.

5. Adapt fasting to your physical condition

Before starting a fast, it is necessary to talk to a doctor, particularly for seniors, diabetics taking medication to control their insulin levels, pregnant women and pre-adolescent children. Those with compromised health who still wish to fast for Ramadan should consult their doctor to develop a fasting plan adapted to their condition. At the first symptom of failing health, it is important to stop fasting.