health
The end of the fast was last week followed by Eid-Al-Fitr celebrations – one of the most auspicious Muslim festivals that not only comes with an occasion to dress to the nines but also the chance of feasting on a range of mouth-watering traditional meals and sweet and savoury treats.
While the eating part is always a welcome, it’s often followed by the overindulgence guilt and bulge. Yes, while a month of fasting may have been good for you, both spiritually and physically, overindulgence on the tempting spread of food items can actually wreak havoc on your body. This is especially important if you have been working hard to shed the extra kilos and get back in shape.
There are certain things you should keep in mind to stay true to your weight loss journey without putting a damper on Eid celebrations. However, experts suggest going slow to avoid bloating and other digestive problems. While fasting, your metabolism is in a distinct state in which your body undergoes several biological changes. So, introducing regular foods slowly will assist your body re-establish enzyme production and help you break your fast healthily and safely without disrupting the digestive system. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your ideal weight after the celebration. These tips can also come handy if you have already overindulged in high calories and salt-laden food during the festivities:
Don’t skip breakfast
There is the false illusion that skipping your most important meal of the day – breakfast – will help you lose weight. However, studies show that missing out on the important nutrients your body gets from this meal leads to increased and usually unhealthy snacking throughout the day because you feel hungry. So, enjoy your breakfast and include as much dairy, oats and fresh fruits in your meal.
This may sound like the most obvious answer, but even as we stay holed up inside our homes due to the pandemic, we are still not drinking enough water. In between work from home and working for home, pouring ourselves a glass of water may not seem important right now.
If you are trying to monitor your diet, we suggest drinking two glasses of water before you sit down to eat as it cuts down food intake and also reduces cravings. Moreover, when your body is hydrated your energy expenditure at rest increases meaning that you burn calories faster.
Veggies aren’t exactly a fan favourite food but the best way to control and reduce your appetite is to eat your veggies first. Not to mention they are packed with essential nutrients and fibre. Try starting your meal with a bowl of salad or stir fry vegetables.
It may seem like a great idea to have an aerated drink with your meal to help digest the heavy food but in reality such beverages are loaded with sugar. Juices are a much healthier option.
Eid mornings usually begin with a bowl of Sheer Khurma or sewaiyan. Even after, you may crave these delicious desserts. Try replacing these sugary sweets with healthier options like fruit. If you give in to the craving, have a date or piece of fruit before you dig in. The natural sugar in the dates or fruit would be enough to satisfy your sweet tooth to an extent and a few bites of your favourite dessert would be enough for you.
After three days of feasting, it’s time to go back to only eating enough to satisfy your hunger. Pay attention to what your body is trying to tell you and stop eating once you are full.
After a month of iftars, it is possible that your body may have adapted to high-salt and fat-laden foods. For this reason and to get back to your healthy eating habits again, smaller portions are advised. You can easily adjust by using smaller plates to gradually get used to eating smaller portions without going hungry.
This is especially important if you are feasting on delicacies dripping with oil and sugar during the celebrations of Eid. Make it a point to practise restraint and eat slowly. It will help you recognise the signals of your body when you begin to feel full. Pay attention to these signals and do not overeat once you feel satiated.
In addition to paying attention to what you are eating, it is also crucial to get up and get moving. We understand that with the lockdown in place, you may not be exactly motivated to do a full-blown workout. Fret not, walking for thirty minutes daily will also be beneficial in keeping your weight in check. One can also follow the ‘walk while you talk’ routine to stay active throughout the day. After that, you can gradually include cardio exercises like running and skipping rope in your routine.
In addition to remote working, getting up early in the morning during the month of Ramazan may have thrown your sleep cycle completely off the track. Not a lot of people know this, but if you are not sleeping well and feel sleep deprived throughout the day, it can also impact your weight loss journey! Various studies have linked poor sleeping habits to increasing obesity in both kids and adults. So, make sure that you hit the sheets on time every night and switch off your electronics an hour before you go to sleep.