After Several Hours of Fasting, It’s Normal to Have Cravings and to Fill Our Iftar Tables with a Variety of Dishes
It isn’t the variety or the indulgence that causes problems.
The issue lies in how we cook and how we eat. Consequently, a delicious, varied, yet healthy and balanced Iftar is possible—provided the guiding principle is moderation. This is exactly what Tunisian nutritionists recommend.
What Should Be Served on the Table?
Nutritionists state loudly and clearly:
“A balanced Iftar should start with one to three dates on an empty stomach, accompanied by half a glass of water or liquid bssissa.”
They advise waiting 15–30 minutes after this small break before beginning the main meal.
The dinner should always include:
- Soup
- Raw‑vegetable salad
- A hot starter (e.g., brik, swabaa, tagine, or a savory tart)
- A main course that contains protein (meat) and complex (slow‑release) carbohydrates
- A fruit or a dairy product
The Importance of Suhoor
The last meal before the fast—Suhoor—is just as crucial as Iftar and must also be a fully balanced meal.
- Specialists recommend that Suhoor consist of a dairy product and slow‑digesting carbohydrates.
- To avoid hunger and thirst the next day, sweet treats and very salty foods should be completely excluded from Suhoor.
“You may allow yourself a few sweets in the evening, but they should mainly be liquid‑based, such as vegetable or fruit juices, which help prevent constipation,” the experts note.
