Ramadhan Tribute #5 - The Secret of Sahur
Why is it that some people is more energetic during Ramadhan, while another is weaker? The answer to this very question will help us to not only become fitter but we may be able to lose weight in the process, insyaAllah.
The answer is "Sahur". People from Kedah call it "Soq" :). There's a reason why "sahur" is very recommended to people who fast. In fact, that's the only difference from our fast and the non-muslim's fast.
Let me try to explain it.. We all know breakfast is the most important meals of the day. Yes it provides us more energy to start our day, but there is another secret to it. Breakfast actually gives signal to our body that we are not in starvation.
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You see, our body is very clever. When we are starving, the body does not react by burning more fat. It actually react by lowering down its metabolism and burn less fat to preserve them. That is why we are often weaker when we are hungry for a long time.
So Sahur, will indirectly signal the body that we are not starving ourself. And thus the body's metabolism will switch to normal mode. Which means it burns more fat and giving us more energy to start the day. Thus we will be fitter and stronger the whole day. And since the metabolism rate is not slowed down, more fat will be burn and eventually the weight loss (Of course other factors must be taken into consideration, such as exercise, type of food etc)
Note : The intention to fast is never supposed to be about weight loss. It is our very own bond with Allah, since no one will ever know we're fasting or not except Him.
Waking up for sahur is very challenging indeed. During my childhood, I even have some stages that will occur before I completely aake for sahur. My grandmother will wake me up by calling my name. That almost certainly will not work. She then go very close to me (visible distance) and again call. This time, I will reply by giving some sort of protest that I don't want to sahur. She know this too well and start nagging with high frequency voice :) That should wake me up. And I protestly walk to the dinner table and eat my sahur.
This happen almost every night, and almost everyday.. I will feel grateful to her for patiently wake me up. :) if not... *sigh