Sehri is the most important meal in Ramazan. It can make or break your energy levels throughout the day as well as determine how thirsty or hungry you feel during your fast.

But while we all know how important it is to nourish our bodies properly before the fast begins, getting out of bed in the middle of the night to eat can feel like a chore, especially when the bed feels so inviting.

If you find it difficult to eat a full meal or chow down parathas and qeema at 4 in the morning, here are a few cheat foods you can have quickly in just a few minutes without extensive prep or effort to eat.

1.    Dates

Dates have a special place in houses during Ramzan. It is sunnah to break your fast with a date but they are equally effective and nourishing when consumed during sehri. Studies have shown that despite the sugar content in dates, they have a low glycemic load. This means they will provide you with a complex mix of nutrients without raising your blood sugar throughout the day.

Dates also contain over 2mg of choline which is known to be a memory neurotransmitter that can help memory and learning – something we could all use a good dose of when we’re fasting.

If you’re running short on time, eating a few dates can help keep you steady for most of your fast by giving you a large dose of antioxidants, providing you energy, and ensuring you don’t fall prey to constipation.

2.    Figs

Figs or injeer are high in fiber which helps promote a feeling of fullness and control hunger pangs throughout the day. The high potassium and magnesium content also means that your blood sugar levels will remain stable because your insulin function will be improved.

While figs are great superfoods to keep around for sehri, eating too many can lead to a laxative effect as well as contribute to weight gain if the caloric load is too much. This is why its advised to have 2 to 3 figs at max.

3.    Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are a popular superfood that has gained significant fame throughout the world for its many benefits. Chia seeds are notorious for holding 27 times their weight in liquids and are high in fiber which means you will feel fuller for longer.

Chia seeds are also high in healthy fats and antioxidants. A tablespoon of chia seeds dissolved in water paired with some fruits, nuts, or dates can be good enough to help keep you stable throughout your fast.

DO NOT try to eat them dry though! Chia seeds need to be properly dissolved and allowed to bloom in water before you consume them to be completely safe.

While these superfoods may be packed full with nutrients, they cannot be stand-ins for a proper, balanced meal. We recommend pairing them with other nutritious foods or taking them in combination with each other for best results.