Is it just me?
Or does fasting get harder the older you get? Having fallen out of the habit of having Suhoor (a pre-sunrise meal akin to breakfast, in case you weren’t in the know) when I’ve been fasting in recent years, I figured I would be fine skipping it this year too. My theory used to be that not eating set my body up for a day of fasting and actually reduced hunger levels since my stomach knew not to expect more food anytime soon.
Boy, was I wrong.
At about 12:30 on the first working day of Ramadan I found myself waning. A splitting headache and almost instant loss of the ability to focus kicked in as I found myself losing all hope of being a productive human being for the rest of the afternoon. Needless to say, it was a lesson learned the hard way.
As it turns out, I definitely need a suhoor meal to be able to (sanely) make it until the 7:00 pm sunset here in Abu Dhabi. After a week of experimentation with both savoury and sweet “breakfasts”, I found that the most successful suhoor meals are:
- High in protein
- Easy to prep/make – meaning no messing about with ovens and stovetops
- Easy on the digestive system to curb the discomfort that comes with sleeping on a full stomach
This smoothie, while incredibly simple – definitely fits the bill.
Banana Date Suhoor Smoothie
Ingredients
- 2 large frozen bananas
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk or non-dairy milk of choice
- 3-4 dates pitted
- 1/2 tbsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 2 tbsp almond or peanut butter
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder optional
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients on high until smooth and creamy.
Quite frankly, this smoothie is another one of those “breakfast-meets-dessert” situations.
It’s unbelievably creamy, caramel infused on account of the dates (which are of the sukkari variety, if you’re wondering), but still substantial enough thanks to the chia seeds and oatmeal to call meal-sized.
When I make this smoothie, it’s one of the rare occasions where I will add protein powder to a non post-workout beverage, simply because the extra boost does help me stay fuller for longer.
It’s also wonderful with some cinnamon coconut date granola thrown in, but that’s another recipe, for another time.
Until next time, dear readers!
Respect. Take care.
Looks delis! Love dates and bananas blended with almond milk and almond butter. Some hemp seeds would make a nice addition. Not a big fan of oats in smoothies but I totally get how you want something more filling if you’re fasting all day. Kudos to you!
I meant delish! 😄
Trying this for tonight suhoor inshALlah!!
Thanks xx
Just made this for breakfast, and it’s delicious. It never occurred to me to put oatmeal in a smoothie.
Thanks for the recipe!
BION I’m imdsesrep! Cool post!
It’s not just you. My mastication and swallowing systems are in strike every single day during sohuur. I end up opting for soy milk based smoothies side with boiled egg for extra protein. Alhamdulillah, another week to go!~
That looks so amazing! Can’t wait to try it!
Good to read your style of presentation, the realisation of how important suhoor meal was after skipping a meal and then feeling weak and unable to concentrate. Can we try coconut milk instead of almond milk, may be another twist for this recipe. I’m also sharing a blog below for those who want to try some suhoor recipes which will keep you all energyized throughout the fasting day
https://bit.ly/2H3vtLZ“
I must be clever for suhoor. I will pop a multivitamin w/ your yummy smoothie. I love the protein powder, almond butter, chia, & oat idea! I’m sure this will keep me more satiated and energised than last year. Its my 4th Ramadan but 1st time as a vegan & forevermore. So my plan is: this smoothie, fuul medammes & water. Shukran!
Ramadan Kareem!🎆🎉
As Salamu Alaikum, this smoothie is delicious! Thanks for sharing! My Sons also loved it and my 12 year old who is a picky eater asked when am I going to make it again! Ramadan Mubarak! May Allah Bless you!
Hello – my go to recipe each year & preparing for another month soon. just wondering
Did you ever post this recipe ?
It’s also wonderful with some cinnamon coconut date granola thrown in, but that’s another recipe, for another time.