2026 sees both Ramadan and, for Christians, the season of Lent commencing on February 17th.
For both faiths, this marks a time of reflection, prayer and community — an opportunity to cultivate gratitude, empathy and spiritual rejuvenation.
For Muslims, Ramadan involves 30 days of fasting from dawn to sunset — often described as a form of intermittent fasting with a much deeper spiritual purpose.
For Christians, Lent traditionally spans 40 days of “giving up” something of value — chocolate, coffee, alcohol, or even gossip (arguably the most challenging of the lot) — reflecting the fast undertaken by Jesus.
Regardless of religion, fasting has regained attention in modern life — perhaps because we now live in a world of constant access to food. “On demand” used to apply to television; now it applies to snacks.
Two Different Approaches to Fasting
- A defined eating window to gain your nutrients — Ramadan
- Giving up a potentially harmful substance — Lent
One overlooked challenge when fasting is that once we actively give something up, we often veer toward an alternative that still delivers a dopamine hit.
Giving up chocolate but switching to jelly babies (technically not chocolate… but your pancreas knows the truth).
Or spending all day fasting, only to greet sunset with deep-fried samosas, white rice and three sweet teas as if you’re refuelling for a marathon.
Fasting isn’t meant to become a loophole competition.
Your Metabolic Reset
When done mindfully, fasting can support your body’s natural repair systems. It allows:
- Cells to become more sensitive to insulin
- The liver to get on with clearing stored fat (yes, that muffin top has been noted)
- Inflammation to decrease
- Autophagy to activate — your body essentially sends in the cleaners for a proper spring tidy of damaged cells
Think of it less as punishment and more as maintenance.
SUHOOR: Fuel your body — don’t flood it with unnecessary sugars. Start your day with protein:
- Eggs, beans, cheese, yoghurt
- Chia or flax seeds soaked in water — a very respectable chia pudding
- Olives with cooked and cooled meats
Hydrate with warm water, a slice of lemon, and a pinch of salt for electrolytes.
Avoid flooding your system with cereals, white breads or sugary tea. Your body doesn’t need a farewell party before sunrise.
IFTAR: When breaking your fast:
- Begin with a maximum of three dates, more than this and your blood sugar will rise faster than your WhatsApp notifications, you could also add in a few pecans for a little protein then top off with a glass of warm water.
- Allow 15–20 minutes for your body to wake up gently.
- Focus on protein — chicken, lamb, fish, eggs, beans — ideally not deep fried.
- Add real vegetables (steamed or roasted), drizzled with olive oil. Include roti or brown rice in sensible portions.
- Finish with nuts and a small piece of fresh fruit.
- Avoid sugary drinks and fruit juices. You’ve worked hard to keep your blood sugar stable — no need to undo it in one enthusiastic gulp.
Lent and The Sweet Tooth
Giving up chocolate for Lent doesn’t mean switching to a different vice in a clever disguise.
If that velvety chocolate is calling your name, try reframing the craving. Go for a walk. Do a few air squats. Tidy a cupboard. Clean the bathroom (not glamorous, but very effective — and we’ve all got to have a hobby).
Fasting for spiritual reasons is a discipline — and when approached thoughtfully, it can also support your health.
It’s not about deprivation. It’s about intention.