Umrah is a sacred journey in the heart of Saudi Arabia. However, it is not an easy pilgrimage due to the huge crowds and the hot climate. It is an exercise in patience that requires pilgrims to stay calm while performing ritual worship. Given the hardships that pilgrims have to overcome during Umrah, they need to keep hydrated and take care of their diet; otherwise, they are at risk of passing out. This article will detail some tips for eating healthy food while performing Umrah.
Why Pilgrims Must Take Care of Their Diet During Umrah?
As stated, Saudi Arabia’s climate is extremely hot, and it has gotten worse in the summer due to global warming. The temperature during the summer tends to exceed 50 degrees Celsius, which has made Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages extremely difficult.
Even if pilgrims plan their Umrah in November, they will experience temperatures close to 40 degrees Celsius. With such extreme conditions, pilgrims need to keep themselves healthy and hydrated through a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water. This is why pilgrims must consider the following tips to ensure their Umrah goes smoothly:
#1 – Stay Hydrated:
Pilgrims must keep a water bottle with them at all times and drink water at regular intervals. While performing Umrah in hot weather, pilgrims will sweat a lot, and drinking water is one way to stay hydrated. To take it a step further, pilgrims can drink electrolyte-rich beverages like sports drinks to keep themselves active and their electrolytes balanced.
#2 – Get Most Out of Your Diet:
While performing Umrah, the pilgrims must stay active, and the only way to do it is to eat foods that sustain their energy needs throughout the day. Here are some tips that ensure pilgrims get the most out of their diet:
- Eat a Nutritious Breakfast: Start the day by eating a nutritious breakfast full of carbohydrates and proteins.
- Avoid Processed Foods: Processed foods are high in sugar and fat; they drain energy, which leads to fatigue. A tired body is not ideal for performing Umrah, and pilgrims will exhaust quickly by eating processed foods. Always choose fresh foods when possible.
- Eat Less But Frequently: Pilgrims don’t need to bloat themselves while eating, as it will cause fatigue. Eat less but frequent meals to keep the energy level up. Pilgrims can keep some food with them and eat a little in between ritual prayers.
Also Read: Best 10 Long Lasting Foods For Your Travel Journey
#3 – Best Foods For Boosting Energy:
Umrah is a physically challenging journey. Pilgrims must stay active to see through the pilgrimage till the end. Here are some foods that help pilgrims stay energetic:
- Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables are the best way to stay energetic. They are full of vitamins and minerals. They also hydrate the body, which is important in Makkah’s hot weather.
- Lean Protein: These proteins are low in saturated fats and calories. They can help heal and build muscles. Foods containing lean protein help pilgrims feel full and also protect them from heart disease. Chicken, tofu, or fish are the best sources of lean protein to help pilgrims sustain their energy levels.
- Whole Grains: Oats, brown rice, barley, and other whole grains are full of carbohydrates that help pilgrims keep their energy up during Umrah.
#4 – Foods To Avoid:
Certain foods can negatively impact the energy level of the body, which pilgrims must avoid during Umrah.
- Fast Food: While it’s tasty, it certainly isn’t healthy. Fatty and fried foods are hard to digest and can make pilgrims feel bloated or weighed down. Avoid such foods to stay active.
- Caffeinated Drinks: Coffee, tea, or cola are full of caffeine and should be avoided. These drinks can lead to dehydration, which isn’t something pilgrims want when performing the pilgrimage.
Additional Tips:
Aside from the aforementioned tips to eat healthy food during Umrah, here are some additional tips that will help pilgrims:
- Snack bars and dates are good for instant energy. When feeling a little low on energy, eat a date or a snack bar, and it’ll give you a jolt of energy to keep you going.
- Get enough rest and sleep to stay healthy and recharge your body. If the body isn’t well rested, pilgrims won’t be able to fully participate in Umrah.
- Keep an umbrella with you or stay in the shade to avoid the sun. Use sunscreen to prevent sunburns.
There is no doubt that Umrah demands pilgrims stay patient and endure hardships while performing ritual prayer. However, the summertime in Mecca or Medina can be tough on UK citizens since they aren’t used to such high temperatures. For them, December or November is the recommended time to perform Umrah.
Travel agencies offer specialised, all inclusive November Umrah deals to help Muslims in the UK perform the pilgrimage with as much comfort as possible. While these Umrah packages are affordable and convenient, there are certain things that pilgrims must keep in mind before booking them.
Also Read: Best Infused Water Recipes to Relish Through The Summer Days
Tips to Consider Before Booking November Umrah Package 2024:
Here are some tips that ensure pilgrims book the best possible package in their budget without compromising their experience:
Compare Packages:
Pilgrims must do thorough research and not settle for the first Umrah deal they come across. Compare packages from different travel agencies and deduce which one is offering the best services for your budget.
Also, a cheap November Umrah deal isn’t always the best one. Try to increase your budget a bit and book a package with a reputable travel agency to ensure the pilgrimage isn’t compromised. Also, make sure the agency is ATOL and IATA-certified.
Check for Hidden Costs:
Pilgrims must ask for a complete cost breakdown of the Umrah deal. Ensure there are no hidden costs that must be paid when you arrive at Mecca. A reputable travel agency will provide a complete expenditure breakdown without any excuses. Thoroughly read the payment and cancellation policies, as pilgrims might need to enforce them in an emergency.
Consider a Group Package:
While planning your Umrah in November 2024, consider booking a group package instead of a solo package. It is considerably cheaper as the cost of the entire journey is divided among all the members, which lowers the cost for individual pilgrims. There are other benefits to group Umrah deals that make it more enticing. The entire tour is guided, and pilgrims can rely on other group members for support in an emergency.
Conclusion:
Pilgrims need to keep themselves hydrated and healthy during Umrah. Drink plenty of water, avoid unhealthy foods, eat foods that ensure sustained energy, avoid sun exposure, and more. These are some tips for eating healthy while traveling.
