During the holiest Islamic month of Ramadan, only two meals are served--" Suhur" and "Iftar". " Suhur " is the meal eaten before dawn and "Iftar" is eaten after sunset. These consist of mostly fatty and protein-rich foods as seen in this Tehran marketplace, and many people eat well into the night. Many people feel the need to compensate for the energy lost from fasting by consuming special foods that are largely only prepared during Ramadan. Festive sweets and stews are served during this month. And health experts warn against overindulging in them.
“Most of our people in the holy month of Ramadan, which is the time for abstinence and eating less, overdo it when consuming foods filled with fat and sugar, in such a way that not only do they miss the benefits of this month, but also put on weight and their fat and sugar goes up compared to previous months.”
Around sunset and near "Iftar" time, those fasting line up at restaurants in Tehran where colorful displays tempt people to eat large quantities.
“All over the world, Muslims who fast lose much energy and suffer from hunger during the day. When it's "Iftar" time, we overeat to make up for the day. That is the reason people eat a lot in this month. The foods are also very colorful during this month and we can not help eating.”
Many people wrongly believe that by eating a lot in a short period of time, they can sustain a steady level of energy throughout the day. But Doctor Mazhari says he thinks Iranians eat less than their fellow fasters in Iran's neighboring countries.
“Some people who live in Iran's neighboring countries keep eating and drinking from sunset to dawn and obviously impose a heavy load in their stomach and intestines. Consequently, they won't have a necessary freshness during the day.”
Ramadan falls this year during hot weather and long days, and some say that creates another consequence for fasting.
“This year, Ramadan is in a hot season and the body needs more energy. Fasters should consume more calorie-rich, low-volume foods. A friend of mine invited me to this particular restaurant tonight for 'Iftar'.”
Some people complain about the rise in the prices of essential Ramadan foods.
“In Ramadan, there’s a high demand and the supply comes short. That is why prices go up. Prices of foods, such as dates or energy-filled foods which are consumed a lot in this month increase a lot.”
In response to eating habits during Ramadan, health experts have issued warnings on television and radio to discourage people from overeating.
Ramadan: the ninth month of the Muslim year, during which Muslims do not eat or drink anything during the day while it is light.
Fasting: a period during which someone does not eat, especially for religious reasons
Abstinence: the practice of not having something you enjoy, especially alcohol or sex, usually for reasons of religion or health
Date: The sweet, edible, oblong or oval fruit of the date palm, containing a narrow, hard seed.
海枣：甜的、可食用的长方形或椭圆形的海枣树的果实，含有狭长坚硬的籽