By Adithi Ramakrishnan
Manal Elfakhani looks back fondly on childhood memories from the month of Ramadan. She would break her fast at the mosque with family and snack on sweet semolina flour cookies that she’s since learned to bake herself.
Ramadan is about spiritual reflection and the value of having enough to eat, she said. For about a month, many Muslims don’t eat or drink from dawn to sunset. This year, it’s set to begin this weekend.
While it’s safe for most people to fast, planning ahead and keeping nutrition in mind can make the month that much more meaningful, said Elfakhani, a nutrition expert at Pennsylvania State University.
Young children, the elderly and those who are pregnant, menstruating or breastfeeding are exempt from fasting. People with diabetes, heart disease or other chronic conditions should talk to their doctor when deciding to fast, especially if they take medications regularly.
“You should be in a very
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