KUWAIT: During Ramadan, the consumption of oriental sweets tends to increase, often leading to weight gain among individuals observing the fasting month. Recognizing this pattern, experts advise on strategies to navigate this dietary challenge, emphasizing moderation and healthier alternatives to traditional sweets.

Aiming to promote overall well-being and fitness while honoring cultural traditions, Abdullah Al-Mesbah, an expert in nutrition and sports nutrition, recently unveiled a comprehensive guide to healthier eating during Ramadan, shedding light on “permissible” sweets. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining balanced nutrition, he recommended incorporating moderate portions of sweets rich in natural sugars and nutrients.

Mesbah revealed that the calorie counts of luqaymat range between 60 to 70, with four servings deemed acceptable per day. Moreover, he suggested that substituting sugar with a sweetener could help mitigate the calorie intake. Meanwhile, he mentioned that a large baked qatayef contains 250 calories, while its fried counterpart had 350 calories.

He emphasized the potential for reducing calorie intake by opting for sweeteners, baking qatayef and substituting low-fat cheese for nuts or full-fat cheese to manage calorie consumption while still enjoying traditional treats like qatayef during Ramadan. Mesbah said one cup of jelly provides 93 calories, rendering it a reasonable choice for those seeking lower-calorie options. Additionally, creme caramel, with 223 calories per serving, offers a slightly more indulgent but still acceptable treat for individuals managing their calorie intake during the fasting period.

Turning to more substantial desserts, he discussed the calorie content of kunafa and basbousa, two beloved Middle Eastern sweets. According to him, 100 grams of kunafa typically contain 350-400 calories, while the same quantity of basbousa has 530 calories. Mesbah emphasized that the recommended daily intake of Ramadan sweets should generally fall within the range of 200-300 calories. He underscored the importance of consuming these treats in moderation, advising against excessive indulgence in sweets during the holy month.