Important Tips for Parents to Maintain Children's Nutrition During Fasting

The month of Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims all over the world. Apart from being a moment to get closer to Allah SWT through fasting, Ramadan is also a time full of blessings and happiness for the family. However, for parents who have children, maintaining their children's health and nutrition during fasting is a challenge in itself. This time we will discuss in detail how parents can ensure their children stay healthy and fit while fasting.

1. Preparation Before Fasting

Before entering the month of Ramadan, parents need to make thorough preparations to ensure their children's physical and mental readiness to undergo fasting. This includes:

• Consult a Doctor: Carry out your child's health checks regularly and consult with a doctor regarding your child's ability to fast. The doctor can provide appropriate advice based on the child's health condition.
• Education and Explanation: Teach children about the importance of fasting in the Islamic religion and provide a good understanding of nutritional needs during fasting. Explain in simple terms how to maintain health during the month of Ramadan.

2.  Healthy and Nutritious Sahur

Sahur is food consumed before imsak time or when dawn approaches. A healthy and nutritious sahur is very important to provide sufficient energy for children during fasting. Here are some tips for a healthy share:

• Food Choices: Choose foods that contain complex carbohydrates (such as rice, whole wheat bread), protein (eggs, meat, fish), fiber (vegetables, fruit), and healthy fats (for example, olive oil).
• Avoid High-Fat Foods: Limit consumption of foods high in saturated fat and high cholesterol, such as fast food or excessively fried foods.
• Drink Enough Water: Make sure children drink enough water during sahur to maintain body hydration.

3. Balanced Iftar Menu

Breaking the fast is an important moment for children. Make sure their iftar menu is balanced and contains enough nutrition to replenish energy after a day of fasting. Some examples of healthy iftar menus are:

• Fresh Fruit: Provide fresh fruit as an iftar snack that is rich in fiber and vitamins.
• Healthy Drinks: Provide healthy drinks such as water, fruit juice without added sugar, or low-fat milk.
• Snacks: Choose snacks that contain complex carbohydrates and protein, such as dates, nuts, or whole wheat toast with peanut butter.

4. Proper portions and meal times

Apart from paying attention to the quality of food, it is also important to pay attention to children's portions and meal times. Give enough portions but not too much so that children don't feel too full or hungry. Apart from that, arrange meal times to match the predetermined breaking and fasting schedule.

5. Balanced physical activity

Even though they are fasting, children still need to do a balanced physical activity to maintain a healthy body and maintain an ideal body weight. Invite children to play outside or do light activities such as going for a walk after breaking the fast.

6. Meet nutritional needs

Make sure children get adequate nutrition during the fasting month. Pay attention to the intake of protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber in the food they consume. Provide varied and balanced food to meet their daily nutritional needs.

By following the guidelines above, parents can help maintain their children's health and nutrition during the month of Ramadan. Remember that health is the main investment in children's future, and with attention and good planning, they can stay healthy and fit during fasting. For consultations regarding child nutrition at Hermina Purwokerto Hospital, a Clinical Nutrition Specialist is available.

  Access to registration can be done in the following 4 ways:
1. Download the mobile application on Playstore (Type Halo Hermina)
2. Call Call Center 1500488
3. Via website -> www.herminahospitals.com
4. Via the Halodoc application

Reference :

1. Almatsier, S. (2017). Prinsip Dasar Ilmu Gizi. Jakarta: Gramedia Pustaka Utama.
2. Haryono, Y. (2019). Gizi Anak Praktis: Panduan Lengkap Menu Sehat untuk Si Kecil. Jakarta: Penerbit Buku Kompas.
3. Susilowati, I. P. (2020). Panduan Lengkap Makan Sehat Anak Muslim: Memahami Pola Makan Anak Muslim Sejak Dini. Jakarta: Penerbit Gema Insani Press.
4. Departemen Gizi dan Kesehatan Anak, Fakultas Kedokteran Universitas Indonesia. (2018). Pedoman Gizi Seimbang untuk Anak Usia Dini. Jakarta: Departemen Gizi dan Kesehatan Anak.
5. Asosiasi Dietisien Indonesia. (2019). Panduan Gizi Sehat untuk Anak: Menyiasati Menu Sehat saat Berpuasa. Jakarta: Asosiasi Dietisien Indonesia.