Eid al-Fitr, the religious festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide, marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the month-long fasting ritual, and welcomes the month of Shawwal. The event is known in some places as the ‘Lesser Eid’, relative to Eid-al-Adha, the religious commemoration that comes around two months after Ramadan in the Islamic calendar, and which is considered by the pious to be of greater religious significance.

Nevertheless, Eid-al-Fitr is celebrated enthusiastically and with great joy around the world with congregational prayers in mosques and maidans, with family, friends and relatives gathering to greet each other and to share in the joy of the occasion. A major highlight of Eid-al-Fitr celebration is the preparing and sharing of delicious meals and delicacies at scrumptious Eid feasts.

It is no wonder that in some places Eid-al-Fitr is called the ‘Festival of Breaking the Fast’ in reference to ending the month-long dawn to dusk fasting period that characterizes the holy month of Ramadan. However, some people tend to take the Eid-al-Fitr definition of breaking the fast literally and overindulge in the delicious offerings made at Eid spreads.

This overeating could lead to undesirable health outcomes, including short-term bloating of the stomach and indigestion. If this excessive eating pattern is continued for longer periods it could lead to unwanted long-term weight gains and other health consequences.

While it may appear natural to overindulge after a month-long fasting period, and though there is nothing wrong in taking small bites of the delicious offerings, overindulgence and excessive consumption of food during Eid feasts can give your body a grave shock. Health experts warn that people should keep in mind that their body has been subject to food and water abstinence for a month-long period, and that it needs time to be eased into new eating patterns. Fasting occasionally during the month of Shawwal helps in this process.

The month of Shawwal, which follows Ramadan, is singled out for the observance of extra fasts, since this month follows immediately after the month-long fasting period during Ramadan. The pious believe that the six days of voluntary fasting are to the obligatory fast of Ramadan what the Sunnah prayers are to the obligatory prayers. In this regard it is significant that the Prophet (Peace be upon Him) said: “The fast of Ramadan is like observing 10 months of fasting. Fasting six days of Shawwal is like observing two months of fasting. This together is like fasting throughout the year.”

Unfortunately, the pitfalls of social gatherings and accompanying feasts during Eid celebrations are an integral part of the auspicious occasion and cannot be easily avoided. While these gatherings are unavoidable, you can surely implement the following tips to make sure that this Eid is a happy and healthy one.

Exercise around the block: Going for a walk or working out makes you feel refreshed, relaxed and happy. A good walk and exercise routine releases feel good hormones which positively affect your mood and help in managing your appetite. Additionally, these walks help keep diseases at bay and make you feel more energetic.

Let veggies come first: The best way to control and reduce your appetite is to eat your veggies first. Veggies are packed with essential nutrients and fiber which would make you feel full so that you can excuse yourself by eating less high calorie and fattening delights. Start your meal with a bowl of salad or stir fry veggies.

Exercise portion control: Controlling your portions is of utmost importance when you are at a social gathering and if you wish to keep your weight in check. Piling up food on a plate just because it is a ‘Breaking the Fast’ occasion is no excuse to let your diet goals go. When you go on adding food to your plate, somewhere you are pressurized to eat it all so as not to waste food. Politely refuse a second helping of food, even if it is a relative who urges you towards the table. The best way you can eat less, is to strike a good chat with your close ones so that you concentrate more towards the conversation and less on the delicacies.

Avoid aerated beverages: While it may seem a great idea to have an aerated drink with your meal on the pretext of digesting the heavy food, the reality is far from what you think. Aerated beverages are loaded with sugar and do not do any good to your body. Rather than gulping down a glass of cold-drink, have a glass of buttermilk with mint leaves in it for better digestion. Buttermilk will not only improve the digestion process but will also help you in eating less.

Beat the sweet cravings: While no one wants to miss the opportunity to savor the sweet dishes and rich offerings that are mandatory in Eid feasts, you can always minimize the consumption. Have a fruit /2 Dates /2 Pieces figs before you go ahead with the sweet dish and the natural sugar content in the fruits would satisfy your sweet tooth to an extent and a few bites of your favorite dessert would be enough for you. Remember, when temptation knocks on your door, find smart ways to tackle it and your body is going to thank you for your decision later.

Remove yourself from the table: The whole idea is to satisfy your hunger and not to go overboard after looking at the large spread of delicacies. Remember when you are full, it is a cue towards closure. When the stomach no longer ready to accommodate food, it sends signals to your brain so that you no longer stuff yourself. Pay heed to what your body is trying to tell you and gently assert that you have indeed enjoyed the meal and have eaten your share of Eid delights. Once you are done, leave the table, do not linger around.


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