UAE Ramadan: Emirati swimmer reveals how she trains while fasting – News

Alia, who has represented the UAE in various competitions, said self-discipline provided her with a strong inner compass during the holy month

Alia and her trainer. — Photo provided

Emirati swimmer Alia Al Ahmed says self-discipline keeps her on track with her sporting goals and gives her a strong inner compass even during Ramadan.

While the daily routine of Muslims changes during the holy month because it involves fasting from sunrise to sunset, Alia, 18, who competes in a swim representing the UAE, said mind control is key in the sporting world, even if she stays in a careful environment. .

Balancing work and health while fasting can be a challenging time for many Ramadans, but the youngster, who has fasted since the age of seven, has deftly learned to harness the intensity of the month.

“Athletes should take extra care to maintain healthy routines throughout Ramadan. Sometimes it’s easy to fall into habits that require you to reverse your schedule, stay up late and sleep all day. But Ramadan is really about appreciating what you have and developing a healthier lifestyle.” habits, not unhealthy ones,” says GEMS Wellington College student Al Khail, who is also her school’s sport and house captain.

Alia, who has completed her sports leadership qualification, has represented the UAE on numerous occasions. She traveled to Egypt to represent her country at the Arab Swimming Championships. She also represented the UAE at last year’s tournament in Abu Dhabi.

“We just finished the Middle East Open in February. A lot of clubs came here from outside the UAE. After Ramadan, I am preparing for Hamilton Aquatics Last Chance and Hamilton Aquatics Summer Sizzler.”

Alia says her family is her biggest inspiration. “I have loved sports since I was a child and tried to join various sports teams. I got into swimming because my parents wanted me to learn to swim and safety is a very important thing. In Dubai, there are many accesses to swimming pools and beaches. So , they wanted to keep me safe, and through three classes, I developed a passion for it, so I just kept going,” she added.

Alia swims two to four hours a day, depending on her schedule. “If there are classes in the morning and afternoon, that’s four hours, and if there’s only one class, it’s two hours.”

During Ramadan, Alia makes sure she gets the calories and protein she needs to train and recover, while drinking as much water as possible.

“In the mornings, I wake up half an hour before Fajr prayers, and I try to make my breakfast as healthy as possible with oatmeal or something else that will keep me going throughout the day. During Ramadan, swimming is from 6am to 8 in the morning. Now we have holidays. But when we go to school, it’s until 2 in the afternoon, and then we’ll train and then go home.”

During the holy month, she made a point of avoiding greasy, fatty and heavily seasoned foods, and believes eating in moderation is the way forward.

“At Suhoor, I usually eat something with slow-burning carbohydrates to make sure I have enough energy to get through the day’s fast while training and going to school. So, I prefer porridge or oatmeal with fruit, dates and Honey. I try to drink a bottle of water before starting a fast,” she adds.

“I traditionally end my fast with water, dates, and laban. During Iftar, I eat food that fills me up and stores energy while maintaining nutrition. I continue to include vegetables in my meals My intake consists of lentil soup, salads and vegetable side dishes. I also have carbohydrate-focused meals and prioritize protein. Therefore, getting good nutrition during Ramadan is imperative. Apart from that, in Getting enough sleep and exercising before or after iftar is just as important,” says Alia.