Assalaamu alaikum,

These last few months have brought about a myriad of changes, many of which have taken some getting used to. For some, like me, the changes have also brought with them new opportunities. I was fortunate enough to begin work as a Content Coordinator with IFANCA at the end of June, and it’s been a phenomenal experience. The fall 2020 edition represents the first where you’ll see my name at the end of this page. I hope this issue and those to come live up to the rigorous standards you expect from Halal Consumer© Magazine.

As summer fades and temperatures start to drop, you may be turning to foods that can warm you up from the inside out. “Say Hello to Harissa” delves into a North African hot sauce that you can use in a variety of dishes. Lentils are also a great option for the winter, as they provide a hearty amount of protein and fiber that can give you the necessary energy to brave the snowy weather. Check out the article on them in the Quranic/Prophetic Foods section.

Perhaps the influx of chilling temperatures makes you dream of life near the Mediterranean Sea. Our Chef’s Insight will help you discover favorites from Greek cuisine like olive rolls and tzatziki sauce. Even if you can’t currently travel to the islands, these dishes may make you feel like you’re there.

If there’s one thing that hasn’t changed, it is that every year brings with it new diets promising to help you lose weight. However, “The New Rise of Intuitive Eating” brings you just the opposite: an “un-diet”. Though it has been around since 1995, intuitive eating has gained recent popularity as people have begun to lose patience with every new diet fad.

Looking to change up your exercise routine? “Focus on Intensity” explores high-intensity interval training or HIIT, which promises a vigorous workout in thirty minutes or less. As always, be sure to consult with your doctor before starting a new training regimen.

Lastly, “Vaccines: The New Buzzword of 2020” takes a look at one of the most important topics of our time. The article offers a detailed look at what goes into vaccines, who needs them, and their relevance in the current global pandemic. At the time of writing this note, there hadn’t yet been a COVID-19 vaccine approved for widespread use in the United States. Hopefully that changes soon.

Let us know via email, Facebook, or Twitter if you give any of the recipes in this issue a try. We’re always happy to hear from you!

Sincerely,

Alison DeGuide, editor