by Noor H. Salem

During the last week of Ramadan, you’ve probably found your body accustomed to fasting. If you’re lacking energy during the day, try to implement some of the practical tips I’ve shared previously. I’ve mentioned consuming dates at suhoor and iftar, not only for the reward of following the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) but also for the myriad of health benefits they contain.

For more delicious and easy to prepare recipes, as well as benefits of dates, the best dates to consume, and the proper method of consumption for optimum nutrients, check out my book, “Sunnah Superfoods.” Your body loses lots of nutrients and needs to be replenished properly during non-fasting hours. Try my delicious date smoothie recipe, instead of reaching for a sugary soda or carbonated beverages. This smoothie is bursting with vitamins and nutrients, guaranteed to give you energy and vitality. It’s high in fiber, omega-3fatty acids, potassium, and anti-inflammatory benefits.

I’ve done this smoothie with and without the banana, and personally, like it without it as bananas can dominate the flavor. However, if you’re a fan of sweet drinks, and will probably not tolerate the strong taste of ginger, I’d highly recommend you toss in the banana to ensure you drink this extremely health drink, and for the potassium, fiber, and countless of other benefits alike. Another option is to add a spoonful of organic raw and unfiltered honey. It balances well with the cinnamon and ginger and adds the sweetness to this delectable and energizing drink. Make this with the intention of not only taking care of your health but to be able to have the energy to fast and worship during this month. Feel free to increase or decrease the cinnamon and ginger to your liking.

Ingredients:

6 small fresh dates, pits removed

½ medium banana (optional)

1 cup homemade almond milk (or organic milk of your preference)

1-2 ice cubes (too much ice will ruin the taste)

1 teaspoon organic cinnamon, ground

½ teaspoon ginger, ground

½ teaspoon fenugreek, ground

1/8 cup raw walnuts, coarsely chopped

a handful of organic dried cranberries

Directions:

1. Place all the ingredients (except the walnuts) in a high-speed blender, and pulse until creamy and smooth.
2. Pour the smoothie into serving glasses.
3. Sprinkle them with the chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, and a dash of cinnamon.
4. Serve chilled for optimum flavor. Enjoy at suhoor, or after having iftar during Ramadan.

Noor H. Salem is an author, speaker, and Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, from Michigan. Noor works with clients in better understanding their bodies and healing with natural foods through her wellness practice, Holistic Noortrition. She presents various workshops, school lectures, group coaching classes, and community lectures on the topic of holistic health. Noor recently published her book, SUNNAH SUPERFOODS, a culmination of life-changing recipes and remedies, with a foreword by Dr. Waleed Basyouni. Her book consists of prophetic hadith, modern research, and delicious recipes, and is in the process of being translated into other languages.