Maintain health and fitness during festivities
After the conclusion of Ramadan, Muslims eagerly await Eid-ul-Fitr, a time for festive celebrations and enjoying delicious food. However, it is important to strike a balance between enjoying the festivities and maintaining your health, especially for people with chronic health concerns like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Here are some tips for staying active and healthy:
1. Include More Fruits and Vegetables:
To balance out the calorie-laden festive foods, focus on adding fruits and vegetables like spinach, tomatoes and watermelon to your diet for their nutritional benefits.
2. Make exercise a priority
Regular exercise is important for energy maintenance and strengthening the immune system, especially amid heavy festivals. Exercise helps maintain shape, improve circulation and detoxify the body.
3. Practice Mindful Eating
Be mindful of portion sizes and food choices to avoid overindulging in fried and spicy foods that are common during festivities.
4. Choose healthy sweets
When enjoying traditional sweets like vermicelli, practice portion control and consider healthier alternatives like fruits or dates to satisfy the craving.
5. Have breakfast before the event
Eating a light, healthy snack before attending meetings can help prevent overeating by curbing hunger.
6. Avoid eating late at night
Eating late at night can hamper digestion and contribute to weight gain over time, so aim to eat dinner an hour earlier.
Additional Tips from Health Experts
Abhilasha V, chief clinical nutritionist, and Shazia Shadab, lead-physiotherapist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Bengaluru, offer further tips to promote wellness during Eid celebrations.
7. Organi A Healthy Potluck
Encourage healthy eating habits by hosting a potluck with nutritious dishes like salads and grilled meats.
8. Stay hydrated
Ensure proper hydration by drinking water throughout the day instead of sugary beverages.
9. Engage in morning walk
Start your Eid day with a refreshing morning walk that promotes both physical activity and spiritual connection.
10. Enjoy a post-meal walk
After a meal, take a leisurely walk to aid digestion and prevent post-meal drowsiness.
11. Plan family outdoor activities
Organize outdoor games like football or cricket to promote physical activity and strengthen family bonds.
12. Practice yoga and meditation
Spend moments of peace amid the festivities to reduce stress and practice yoga or meditation for overall well-being.
By incorporating these strategies, individuals can enjoy Eid celebrations while prioritizing their health and fitness.
