Today Eidul Azha, one of the major Muslim festivals, will be celebrated across the country. This is a time for religious celebrations, parties, family get-togethers and bulging bellies.
Eidul Azha is marked with celebrations that include lots of food especially high in protein. For some people, the day can also mean enjoying too much meat, sweetmeats, desserts and drinks, but excessive intake of meat and sweetmeats may lead to hospital visits due to diarrhoea, vomiting, cardiac ailments, gastric discomfort, increased acidity, abdominal cramps, constipation and high level of blood sugars.
With a little know-how and vigilance, one can enjoy oneself during Eid without feeling guilty or unhealthy. There are strategies to help people get through the Eid holidays without having to put their healthy eating habits on hold.
Pakistan Today approached medical experts to find out how people enjoyed food, mostly meat-based, on the occasion without falling ill.
According to medical physicians, people should be aware of the fried and fatty foods they consume during the day, often without realising it. They suggested that people should cook dishes with less saturated fat, salt and sugar and avoid adding cream, butter, salt or sugar at the table. ‘On Eid day people should try to have smaller portions and take their time when they are eating- chew more, chat more, eat less,” they said.
Medical experts also advised people to do something active on this day and every routine day – even if it meant going for a 10-minute brisk walk with the family or running up the stairs to pick up some more presents. “Cleaning up after the celebrations can also be good exercise,” they said.
Dr Waseem Khawaja of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) said calorie-laden foods did not have to be completely off limits but people should take them in smaller portions. “The taste is usually enough to satisfy a craving without overindulging. To help eat smaller portions, choose a salad plate instead of a dinner plate and serve,” he said.
He also said to prevent overeating during Eid, people should not skip meals and arrive at functions with an empty stomach. “This means eating meals regularly throughout the day and having a light snack between meals to keep blood sugar level consistent,” he said.
According to Dr Khawaja, the people should fill up on healthy foods first. “That means taking fatty, spicy or smoked food less and more of salad, fruits other healthy dishes.”
Dr Farid Khan Zimri from a private hospital urged people to plan get-togethers around activities instead of meals. “While a meal is quickly forgotten, a fun event will be remembered for years to come. Playing any sort of game as the focus of a get-together will take the emphasis off food and burn calories,” he said.
He said most of the dishes prepared on Eidul Azha were meat based. He said people should prepare dishes with low-fat sauces to keep calories at a minimum, and use traditional spices to add extra flavour without adding extra fat.
Dr Zimri said to avoid disappointment this Eid, people should focus on setting realistic goals instead of a constant ban on Eid indulgences so they were ready to feel better about the Eid holidays once they were over.
