Day 11: Iftar at Zenab's

Taking a break from my continued discussion and research in to the effects on peformance during Ramadan, I am excited to say that tonight my family was invited in to the home of our friend Zenab for a long overdue catch up, and to break fast together.

I have been trying to wangle an invite to dinner at Zenab's for years! I didn't realise at the time that I would have to participate in the full month of Ramadan to earn it, but earn it I shall! Ok, it isn't just about the food, my family loves to spend time her family and during the pandemic these catch ups have been far too few. 

As a rare treat we kept James Junior awake well past his bedtime so that he could play with Zenab's beautiful daughters as we broke fast. It was lovely to break fast in such in a more authentic fashion and enjoy such wonderful food prepared by Zenab.

Maybe this decision will come back to haunt us tomorrow, but he has had so few occassions to play with other children away from nursery that we're happy to take any opportunity; he's already invited the girls back to play at his house next time for a BBQ.

My weekend started fairly well, despite nearly sabotaging myself with the order of a 14" takeaway pizza on Friday night. Whenever James Junior is away for the night at Granny's my food fantasies always drift in the more unhealthy department. It's probably indicative also of my eating habits in the past ten days too. I have consumed far more carbohydrates in the past ten days than I would have liked - but I don't really have a choice. I can't overconsume meat during Iftar because it would put me off having my second meal before midnight, and I absolutely need two large meals a day. My consistently increased carbohdyrate consumption will definitely have played a role on Friday afternoon/evening in the increasing desire for me to consume the largest pizza I could get delivered from the village takeaway.

Tonight the menu at Zenab's was no different for carbs. I was offered an abundance, and I duly accepted and enjoyed my fill. Thank you so much Zenab and all of the family for welcoming us in to your home for such a beautiful meal and enjoyable catch up. I've already polished off the leftovers at home!

I need to give a huge congratulations too to my wife Kirsteen who was encouraged to fast with me today, meaning she too could earn her beautiful Iftar at Zenab's. Despite the overwhelming urge to brush her teeth first thing in the morning, Kirsteen completed her debut fast with flying colours! I am not sure if she will be fasting again this Ramadan, but at least she knows she can do it and how it feels for all of us who are doing this for thirty days. 

Thank you Zenab, and, well done, Kirsteen!