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  • razib, murtad fitri 5:27 pm on April 26, 2010 Permalink
    Tags: diet   

    Privilege Pulls Qatar Toward Unhealthy Choices:

    …A recent article in the Qatari newspaper Al Watan said that local health experts predicted that within five years, 73 percent of Qatari women and 69 percent of the men would qualify as obese.
    …
    “If you don’t eat, it’s considered a shame, and if you leave someone’s home without eating it’s a shame,” said Abdulla al-Naimi, 25, who refers to himself as “chubby” but is noticeably overweight. “Half of my family has diabetes,” Mr. Naimi said. “My mother has diabetes. Three cousins younger than me have diabetes. For me, I eat too much and I don’t exercise.”

    1) obese is diff. than overweight. most americans are overweight. 30% are obese (BMI = 25-30 overweight, 30+ obese). if the stats are accurate i’m definitely thinking i’m pro-abaya.

    2) the tradition of massive eating in many societies is problematic. especially in immigrant communities in developed nations it’s just maladaptive to show your hospitable nature by stuffing people with food. food is cheap, it doesn’t show how much you care about someone. giving them an iPad does. i invariably gain weight when i visit my family and i’m frankly sick of it and have told my mother that i’m not visiting for a while because i am sick and tired of working for a month to lose the weight i gain in a week.

     

    • thabet 8:56 pm on April 26, 2010 Permalink | Log in to Reply

      This is a problem across the Gulf, and in places like India and China too.

      • razib, murtad fitri 9:40 pm on April 26, 2010 Permalink | Log in to Reply

        yes. china is a big looming issue. there are so many, and their lifestyles have changed a lot (peasants who eat little -> office workers who eat a lot).

    • Conrad Barwa 7:51 am on April 28, 2010 Permalink | Log in to Reply

      i invariably gain weight when i visit my family and i’m frankly sick of it and have told my mother that i’m not visiting for a while because i am sick and tired of working for a month to lose the weight i gain in a week.

      You ungrateful little tyke, if I was your mom, I would give you a few smacks around the head :D

  • thabet 7:20 am on August 28, 2009 Permalink
    Tags: diet, drink, , , ,   

    Perhaps you’d like to end your roza with some halal wine?

    Taner Tabak (35) has been working on it for two years: certified halal wine. And now he succeeded. His ‘kevser helal wine’ passed the test and got the Halal Quality Control (HQC) certificate.

    Tabak’s quest for 0% alcohol wine begun at the request of Muslims. At Friday get-togethers, holidays such as Christmas or New Year’s, they couldn’t drink with colleagues and friends and a ‘halal wine’ could offer them a solution.

    Tabak studied the process of making alcohol-free wine. Through a new technical process, for which a patent is pending, Tabak, in cooperation with a German company, managed to make alcohol-free wine. There are already so-called alcohol-free wines, Tabak says, but they didn’t pass the HQC halal-test since there’s a bit of alcohol in them.

     

    • thabet 7:21 am on August 28, 2009 Permalink | Log in to Reply

      Also, this adds a new dimension to the category identify by Willow: that of ‘cheese and wine Muslims’.

    • aziz 10:21 am on August 28, 2009 Permalink | Log in to Reply

      i think it’s called “grape juice”

      mix with seltzer water to taste

    • Buzz Kill 11:07 am on August 28, 2009 Permalink | Log in to Reply

      Just days ago Yusuf Qaradawi, the Qatari based Sunni scholarly authority, issued a fatwa (in Arabic) indicating that certain types of beverages containing alcohol percentages less than 0.5% alcohol–that’s 1 proof–are permissible, in particular those that as a matter of course become alcoholic over time (fruit juice, for example).

      Now while I’ve been critical of Qaradawi on other posts (particularly concerning female genital mutilation), in this case he seems only to be trying to be sensible about something that too often Muslims largely dance around. The reality is that if you pretend that even one molecule of alcohol renders a beverage suspect, then a large number of seemingly ordinary drinks (orange juice) for example, become forbidden. That is, and I did check this with a chemistry friend, it’s not like the alcohol starts to form in orange juice days after it’s left out, it’s a slow and exponential rise over time, so that there are perhaps molecules of alcohol in orange juice virtually immediately. Or grape juice. Or apple juice. I’ve always thought that if the point is “intoxicants”, which is how the Sunni authorities include beer in an initial prohibition of date wine, then surely if the alcohol content was so low that a 95 pound woman on an empty stomach could consume large amounts and feel nothing, then it’s not an intoxicant. I see Qaradawi as trying to sort of create bright lines of this sort–to distinguish between real intoxicants and stuff that might have trace amounts developed naturally. After all, Sunnis drink orange juice, so we need some sort of rule.

    • Buzz Kill 11:09 am on August 28, 2009 Permalink | Log in to Reply

      • Buzz Kill 11:26 am on August 28, 2009 Permalink | Log in to Reply

        I came to the same conclusion as the Sunni Scholar on my own and declared my own personal fatwah and NA beer. Since accepting Islam, I miss beer. Several NA beers are available. They don’t get me drunk. I don’t feel intoxicated at all by drinking them. This is enough for me and God. We know my intention is nutrition, not a buzz or disobedience.

        I am afraid that some Muslims try to out-Muslim the Prophet (s) by creating these absurd rules and fetishes which over extend the meaning and intention of the example the Prophet of Islam left.

        Following Islam is already a rigorous enough. Why do they make it worse on themselves? Or do they focus on external obedience and ignore the internal disciplines?

        • null 1:21 pm on August 28, 2009 Permalink | Log in to Reply

          Because I don’t feel that it’s a burden at all. Because a notion as silly as trying to out-Muslim the Prophet (pbuh) would never have even crossed my mind. Because the dichotomy between external obedience and internal disciple is a false one.

          What strange questions to ask. As if anyone who tries to sincerely follow these “rules” is a mindless idiot who hasn’t considered things as thoroughly as you have.

        • Muse 2:28 pm on August 28, 2009 Permalink | Log in to Reply

          By “NA” beer, I assume you mean “non-alcoholic” beer…in which case, what could possibly be the problem with that since there’s no alcohol in it?

          Also, not understanding the external obedience v. internal discipline dichotomy.

          • muffy 2:33 pm on August 28, 2009 Permalink | Log in to Reply

            Even Non-alcoholic beer has a bit of alcohol in it, so some die-hard conservative Muslims don’t like it.

            • Buzz Kill 2:36 pm on August 28, 2009 Permalink

              Correct. American standards are .5% or less can be called Non-Alc.

            • Muse 2:38 pm on August 28, 2009 Permalink

              Ah I see.

          • Buzz Kill 2:50 pm on August 28, 2009 Permalink | Log in to Reply

            Also, not understanding the external obedience v. internal discipline dichotomy.

            Well, there are as many paths to Allah……….
            So, in my opinion, there are many questions a Muslim must face which are not completely clear and which do not have a unanimous ruling in figh or shariah. We talk about these all the time on TI. Honor killings, apostasy and so forth.

            The spirit of the question of Alcohol is whether it is absolutely forbidden (in any minute amount) or forbidden as an intoxicant. My read is for me only. I do not seek to say what is right for another. I am not an orthodox Muslim in the sense that I also do not look to the crowd to find rules to follow. I follow Islam because it is an advanced spiritual system which has required rules. Sorting these rules out and understanding their purpose is part of what it means to be a muslim (to me.) Maybe others don’t have the time, I don’t know.

            My null colleague seems to thing no one has blindly followed a religious dictum or done simple things like not eaten pork without comprehending the reason. I say, join us back here on planet earth please.

          • thabet 1:20 am on August 29, 2009 Permalink | Log in to Reply

            Non-alcoholic beer seems to sold quite openly in the Gulf (where is either banned or heavily regulated) and I am sure I saw bottles of Carslberg and Holsten on display in a Makka supermarket — the non-alcoholic variety of course.

        • Buzz Kill 2:35 pm on August 28, 2009 Permalink | Log in to Reply

          Who was talking about you? I was only talking about me.
          And I was reacting to the Halal Quality Control story that there is some significant difference between 0 and .5% alc.

          It is a scam to sell product.

          You might not like beer or wine. So? I do.
          I don’t worry about .5% alc because it is not intoxicating.
          I think that people who do concern themselves with it and won’t drink juices or whatever because they contain a little alcohol are silly.

          What strange questions to ask. As if anyone who tries to sincerely follow these “rules” is a mindless idiot who hasn’t considered things as thoroughly as you have.

          I have seen stranger things and stranger questions.
          Are you completely blind?

          • Muse 2:41 pm on August 28, 2009 Permalink | Log in to Reply

            I agree with you Buzz, that its a bit silly to be obsessed with such minute amounts of alcohol. I also feel the same way about random emails I get about which fast food restaurant uses animal grease to fry their fries rather than vegetable oil.

            But whatever, to each their own.

            • Buzz Kill 2:51 pm on August 28, 2009 Permalink

              to each their own.

              Agreed

          • null 6:20 pm on August 28, 2009 Permalink | Log in to Reply

            Who was talking about you? I was only talking about me.

            I couldn’t have cared less if that’s what you had said. But rather ….

            I am afraid that some Muslims try to out-Muslim the Prophet (s) by creating these absurd rules and fetishes which over extend the meaning and intention of the example the Prophet of Islam left.

            Following Islam is already a rigorous enough. Why do they make it worse on themselves? Or do they focus on external obedience and ignore the internal disciplines?

            But that’s a bit much. And rather different from “to each their own”. We all love to talk about the “many paths to Allah”, until someone actually willfully chooses a more conservative path. And then they just must be “silly”.

            Sorting these rules out and understanding their purpose is part of what it means to be a muslim (to me.) Maybe others don’t have the time, I don’t know.

            Patronising. Someone couldn’t have just used a different methodology or come to a different conclusion that you’ve come to? Nah, they’re just unthinking idiots.

            • Buzz Kill 7:45 pm on August 28, 2009 Permalink

              Null – I don’t want to argue with you. Sorry if I stated my opinion too strongly. Looking back, I could have said the same thing differently, more tactfully and not invited your terrible wrath. You are right. It is not my place to judge another. Maybe that is something you could look into.

              Let me just say that I agree with the Qatari scholar that minor amounts of alc are not too big a deal and leave it at that.

            • null 8:06 pm on August 28, 2009 Permalink

              Let me just say that I agree with the Qatari scholar that minor amounts of alc are not too big a deal and leave it at that.

              I never said that wasn’t a valid opinion that I respected. I only took offense that anyone who personally chose a different opinion, did so because they hadn’t considered it thoughtfully, are foolish etc.

              I could have said the same thing differently, more tactfully and not invited your terrible wrath. You are right. It is not my place to judge another. Maybe that is something you could look into.

              No wrath from my side. I don’t remember ever saying that I didn’t understand why someone would chose to drink non-alcoholic beer, or implied in anyway that I was judging that person was somehow lax in their beliefs. So that sting in the tail is rather low.

              I don’t want to argue with you.

              I wasn’t arguing. Just answering the questions you asked. And I’m more than happy to let it lie here.

        • thabet 1:18 am on August 29, 2009 Permalink | Log in to Reply

          The use of alcohol amongst Muslim peoples has quite and interesting history, despite the well-known prohibition of it (Muslim scholars, IIRC, divided alcohols into different categories).

        • thabet 1:24 am on August 29, 2009 Permalink | Log in to Reply

          I am afraid that some Muslims try to out-Muslim the Prophet (s) by creating these absurd rules and fetishes which over extend the meaning and intention of the example the Prophet of Islam left.

          Reminds me of the words by a controversial novelist…

          Gibreel appeared to the Prophet and found himself spouting rules, rules, rules, until the faithful could scarcely bear the prospect of any more revelation […] rules about every damn thing, if a man farts let him turn his face to the wind, a rule about which hand to use for the purpose of cleaning one’s behind. It was as if no aspect of human existence was to be left unregulated, free. The revelation […] told the faithful how much to eat, how deeply they should sleep, and which sexual positions had received divine sanction.

          • null 5:30 am on August 29, 2009 Permalink | Log in to Reply

            That’s an unfair comparison, Thabet. Don’t be mean to Rushdie.

            • thabet 5:39 am on August 29, 2009 Permalink

              Now that is below the belt…

            • null 6:19 am on August 29, 2009 Permalink

              Not at all. I love Rushdie. Midnight’s Children stayed with me forever.

            • thabet 6:24 am on August 29, 2009 Permalink

              That’s Old Rushdie.

              New Rushdie is a sell out.

            • null 6:28 am on August 29, 2009 Permalink

              I blame Padma. She ruined him by being very …distracting.

    • Thabek1 11:30 pm on September 7, 2009 Permalink | Log in to Reply

      Nonsense
      Wine is not allowed at all in Islam,there were no alcohal defination in the period Muhammad (PBUH) ,so wine was prohibited

  • buzz 1:05 am on August 22, 2009 Permalink
    Tags: diet, , , , ,   

    ramazan_01A good article in the Washington Post from a nutritionist who has researched the benefits of fasting. Best wishes to those who use the Holy Month of Ramazan to concentrate spiritual knowledge and benefit.

    Better Health Through Fasting
    By Zafar Nomani
    professor emeritus of human nutrition and foods
    West Virginia University

    With the sighting of the crescent moon, the holy month of Ramadan has begun this year, marking the start of a spiritual boot camp in which Muslims fast without any food or water from sunup to sundown. To many, the rigor may seem too tasking, but, as a veteran scientist of clinical nutrition and as a 76-year-old Muslim man who has fasted since I was a boy, growing up in India, I can say that fasting can be a healthy practice not just for God but for you.

    Fasting can be healthy for people of all faiths from Christians to Jews, Hindus, Buddhists and others who fast as a part of their spiritual practice. But it’s got to be done right.

    Twenty-five years ago in the early 1980s, I started studying the biochemical and physiological impact of “restricted energy intake,” as we call fasting in the business, on the human body, using Ramadan fasting as a model for clinical trials that I ran in the United States and Pakistan. In my hometown of Morgantown, W.V., young Muslim students volunteered to be my guinea pigs, logging their daily meals. In the Middle East and in Lahore, Pakistan, volunteers let me study the effect of fasting on their bodies, analyzing the nutritional component of their diets using food composition tables and computer software.

    What I and other researchers have discovered is that fasting has clear spiritual, physical, psychological and social benefits.

    Continued here

     

    • pi.info 2:30 am on August 22, 2009 Permalink | Log in to Reply

      Thank you for posting. That is an excellent article. Ramadan breakfast around this single convert’s house: steak and eggs with OJ and coffee. I find the heavier food keeps me feeling full longer. Coffee is a diuretic, but if I dropped that I’d suffer major headaches, as the author pointed out. I try to drink a lot of water the night before so I’m well hydrated before the day even begins. I’m joined in the fast this year by my enthusiastic but not yet shahadahed 10-year-old daughter, who is having the same except she’s having a fruit juice popsicle instead of coffee….

      The religious topic on my mind: adab. Good conduct and good acts.

      • null 4:10 am on August 22, 2009 Permalink | Log in to Reply

        Ramadan Mubarak! That’s lovely that your daughter is joining you. Did she make it through the day okay?

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