How To Eat Healthy Over The Eid Al Adha Season
When in doubt, go with the grill.
26 August 2017
A couple of months ago, the Holy Month of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr were a hearty affair loaded with delicious greasy snacks, savoury dishes and sugary syrups. Two and a half months down the line and several healthy-eating resolutions later, we’re back at square one.
Yes, we’re talking about Eid-Al-Adha, the festive time of the year when 2 billion Muslims dress up in their best clothes, spend time with their loved ones and devour meaty dishes. Although the festival brings many happy moments, it also brings an inevitable fear of over-eating. Seriously, how can one resist a bite of yummy curry with fragrant rice or a juicy lamb leg with cheese naans?
Maintaining a balanced diet on festive occasions is hard - but not impossible. Here are some pointers to help you stick to your diet-resolution this Eid Al Adha.
1. Start with a filling nutritious breakfast.
The old adage ‘breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dine like a pauper’ could be the best way to lose weight and stay healthy, even during the festive season. Controlling your calorie intake during the later half of the day can massively impact your metabolism. The fact that most breakfast items such as eggs, cereals and pancakes mostly contain healthy carbs and protein further makes it a legit step.
Start your Eid day with 2-3 glasses of warm water with a dash of lemon and follow it up with a hearty breakfast. Lots of seasonal fruits, a glass of smoothie and your choice of eggs. You can even add pancakes, after all, it's Eid.
2. Eat small meals instead of a large feast.
We know you've been keeping your stomach empty to enjoy a large family feast but it doesn't mean you have to finish every plate on the table. Eating a large meal on a hungry stomach can lead to bloating and gastric issues.
Instead of large settings around the table, you can add some activities and outdoor fun to your Eid plans with family. A picnic by the sea, a friendly game of football — anything to burn off those extra calories will be a welcome change of conversation.
3. Keep a check on your Eid sweets.
Muslims around the world often start their day with sweet desserts, share them as gifts and devour them down at their free will. Why? Cause it's Eid and that's a reason enough.
While our heart wholeheartedly agrees with the sentiments, that double chin tells us to stay away from sugar-dipped desserts.
Sure, have a bite or two but that's about it.
A good way to taste a dessert is to share it with 2 or 3 people. This way you can satisfy the craving without feeling guilty.
4. Choose grilled — ALWAYS.
This one is a no-brainer. The way a food item is cooked can seriously add or reduce the calorie intake. Imagine a piece of chicken pan-grilled in minimum olive oil with healthy spices. Now compare the same piece battered in corn flour and deep-fried in heavy oil — you get the idea, right?
-->