SUHOOR IDEAS

Hey guys, it's Neda again. I'm here because it's nearing the middle of Ramadan Alhamdulilah and around this time is when we start waking up at 5am eating a date, chugging water, praying fajr and going back to sleep. But, suhoor could be so much more exciting with these recipes I'm going to be showing you in this blogpost today. Hope you enjoy, let's begin:

*PRO TIP* DRINK A FULL WATER BOTTLE AT IFTAR, A FULL WATER BOTTLE BEFORE YOU SLEEP (two if you can manage) AND A FULL WATER BOTTLE AT SUHOOR.

1) Whole Wheat Waffle with Blueberries and Bananas

This is a super simple one. You stick two whole wheat waffles in the toaster and when they are done you top off with fresh blueberries and a sliced banana. Maple syrup if you want -  which I always include - and enjoy.

2) Cornflakes with Bananas and Dates

This is your simple "Yikes!I woke up late gotta eat now" kind of day meal. You make your normal cereal ya know: bowl, cereal, milk - you know the drill. Then, add some banana (I really like bananas) and eat some dates on the side (I like to eat 3) and that's it.

3) Avocado Toast

This has to be one of the most basic eats out there and there's no way I couldn't include it due to my affinity to avocados. Again you're gonna go ahead and toast 2 pieces of bread, white or whole wheat it's your choice. Then when it's toasted, lather it with cream cheese, gently place the avocados, and squeeze with lemon juice and hot sauce. This is better if you want something savory because it's easy and very flavorful.

4) Baby Egg Omelet

This is another super simple one as all of these are because honestly at 5 in the morning I'm not trying to put a lot of effort into whatever I'm gonna eat in 5 minutes so.... Basically heat a small pan I like to use one that is about 5 inches in diameter and put a little splash of olive oil in there and heat on medium high. Take two eggs (or three egg whites) and mix in a bowl. Then just pour into the pan then about every 30 seconds push in the 2 sides and let the excess egg fill the void. Then repeat until there is no runny egg left. After about 15 seconds GENTLY flip the little egg pie and continue to cook for about 30 seconds. You can then top with cheese and tomatoes. Another really good thing would be to add spinach while you are whisking the eggs for a little more nutrients. Add salt and pepper to your taste.

^So imagine this picture but like not all sad looking and together and just pretend it looks yummy because it is

5) Acai Bowls

*WARNING* THIS REQUIRES USE OF A BLENDER SO MAKE THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK

Basically, unless everyone in your house is already awake and they don't mind having a blender on at 5 in the morning then have at it and make this acai bowl but, definitely ask for permission. I've talked about acai bowls previously in blog posts but I couldn't not include them here today. It's as simple as throwing a 1/2 of a banana, 1 cup of frozen berries, and 1/2 a cup of milk into a blender (you may need a little more milk). Then top with the other 1/2 of a banana, strawberries, blueberries, granola, coconut flakes, or really anything your heart desires. If you did want to make this in advance then you could add a little sweetened condensed milk or greek yogurt put in a bowl and cover with foil or plastic wrap then put in freezer. You might have to let it thaw for a little and then it will basically be eating ice cream for suhoor but no judgement from me.

6) Oatmeal with Berries

Okay so when I first started eating oatmeal after I started liking it a little while ago I kind of made up my own recipe because regular oatmeal can be kind of bland. So the steps that I make it: I mix 4 tbs of old fashioned oats with water to cover it and 1/2 a sliced a banana, then I microwave for          1min 30sec. And when it's done I take it out and stir it until it cools a bit then I add a ton of cinnamon, blueberries, the other 1/2 of a banana, and strawberries but feel free to add what you want and enjoy.

7) 2 Ingredient Banana Pancakes

So these took the internet by storm a couple years ago when I first got into enjoying cooking and this is a super simple recipe. A smart thing to do would be make the batter in advance but basically in a blender  (I like to use my single serve ninja cup) combine 1 banana and 2 eggs and blend until smooth. Then heat a pan on medium high and spray with cooking oil then pour the batter. Top with any fresh fruit you want and syrup if you'd like. This serves about one but if you want to be your family's hero then feel free to make it for everyone by doubling or tripling the recipe.

*NOTE* IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE IN THE KITCHEN WHAT SO EVER MAKE SURE TO CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF AND HAVE MERCY ON YOUR MAMA, DON'T LEAVE HER A MESS.

BONUS SUPER SIMPLE NO MESS RECIPES

If you don't feel like turning on a blender or a toaster so early in the morning here are some more ideas, these could also be side dishes to some of these mains^:

• Poptarts
• Honeycomb cereal
• Fruits (prob leftover from iftar)(grapes, berries, bananas)
• Almonds, Raisins, Walnuts (personally I'm allergic to nuts but it's all you)
• Pre-made energy balls (blend 10 dates, 1/2 cup walnuts, 1/4 cup coconut flakes then blend)
• Boiled eggs

GOALS FOR RAMADAN 2017

Hey buddy, how ya been? Hope you've been well. So today happens to be the 10th day of Ramadan which is basically the 15th day and there are 30 days in a month so basically ramadan is 1/2 of the way done. In this blessed month it's nice to see it as a fresh start, a time to initiate any things you might want to do to better yourself. So at the beginning of the month I like to write a list of things I might want to do during the month. Many of the things are more of a change in mindset as opposed to change in action. Without further ado I bring to you My Goals for Ramadan 2017:

1) Read the Quran at least once, I find that this could be a time to fine new inspiration for things all around.

2) Memorize/Review Quran, Depending on you and your memorization skills it's nice to set a goal to memorize or review Quran.

3) Free the negativity from your mind, this sounds kinda like something a hippie would say but hey, no hate. Basically, just keep positive thoughts in your mind only, why burden yourself with worrying.

4) Don't be lazy - this can be hard when you're hungry and tired and want to wake up at noon if you have the luxury to but work for that feeling of being productive each day. There are 11 other months of the year to sleep to noon don't make Ramadan one of them.

5) Forgive. Try to make this the month where you go over events from the past and encounter with other and just forgive them. You wouldn't want to be the reason that someone doesn't enter Jannah.

6) Disconnect. Whether it be from people, social media, worldly affairs. Try to disconnect from this Dunya and connect with Allah(swt).

7) Make it permanent. Yes, it is nice to have this month to feel like a real refresher and even half way through the effects of this month are already sinking in but try to maintain that fresh feeling. Think of Ramadan as a way to kickstart this way of life and it might be hard at first but everything will pay off in the end Insha'Allah.

So, I hope you all enjoyed this blogpost and benefited something from it. I have another Ramadan themed blogpost coming soon iA so you can look forward to that and my graduation vlog will be going up soon because your girl was class of 2017 Alhamdulilah. Anyway, I hope you liked this blogpost and I'll see you guys soon. Have a blessed Ramadan.

xoxo,
Neda Girl