Most of us typically eat large, heavy lunches on Shabbos day. With Tisha B’Av starting on Motzoei Shabbos, Registered Dietitian Tamar Genger suggests a switch. Full Story
This year, Tisha B’Av is on Sunday. Most of us typically have large, heavy lunches on Shabbos and then very small, lighter dinners. This week, I would suggest a switch.
Stick with a nice hearty lunch, but hold back a little, be careful with the salt and leave enough space to eat a filling dinner.
Be sure to watch the wine and alcohol too, they are dehydrating and not the best idea before a fast.
Here are my five rules for having an easier fast. These are not just tips, but actual mandates. If you follow along, you will have an easier fast.
Drinking lots of water is important before any fast, but before Tisha B’av, it is a must. In most parts of the world, Tisha B’av falls on one of the hottest days of Summer, and we are not as likely to be in an air-conditioned synagogue all day like on Yom Kippur. So drink up throughout the day before the fast; don’t save it for the end when you need some space for food too.
Most people do actually get more than enough protein in their diet to sustain them, without even trying. Still, the day before a fast, it is important that every meal has a good amount of lean protein such as chicken, turkey, eggs, and fish.
Sometimes I think I am the only person left eating carbs, but truth be told, most Dietitians eat carbs; we just focus on the good ones, which usually means the brown ones. To really keep you sustained through the fast you need to have carbs in your pre fast meal, ideally choose grains that are high in fiber to keep you fuller longer. I love barley, but you can also go with a mix of grains if you prefer.
The day before the fast is a great time to get your nuts, use your olive oil, and eat your avocados. Good, healthy fats will really help keep you going during the fast. Just stay away from anything too salty and stick to unsalted nuts and seeds.
The worst thing you can do before a fast is eat anything that is around; donuts, candy, cakes, and cookies will not help you. Just because you won’t be eating for a day is not an excuse or reason to eat all the junk you usually try to avoid. If you want something sweet, stick with fresh fruit, bananas and dates are particularly good before and after a fast.
