9 Tips to Maintain Body Weight During Eid al-Fitr Festivity

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Holidays usually offer an abundance of appetizing food and drink, including the holiday of Eid al-Fitr. This is indeed a festive time to enjoy food and drink together, as Muslims are no longer required to fast. However, many of us may be concerned and want to maintain an ideal body weight.

Public health practitioner Ngabila Salama shared several tips to maintain an ideal body weight during the Eid al-Fitr celebration.

1. Food sharing

The first step is to share the food. "Share the delicious food and drink with relatives and people around us. God willing, this can be a blessing. This can also be done before Eid arrives to help people in need," Ngabila said on Saturday, April 6.

2. Eat moderately

In addition to sharing food with others in need, you can also maintain your diet through moderate consumption.

Ngabila suggested people try each food in small portions to delight the taste buds and overcome curiosity.

3. Add vegetables and fruit to your meal

The next tip is to eat only a half portion of dishes that are high in carbohydrates and side dishes. Most importantly, do not forget your vegetables and fruit intake.

"Try to eat five servings of vegetables and fruits per day. Three times while eating big and twice as snacks between big meals," she recommended.

4. Avoid consuming too much sugar, salt, and fat

While consuming food or beverages, Ngabila called on people to avoid food and beverage items that are rich in sugar, oil, flour, salt, and fat, such as coconut milk, cakes, sweetened packaged drinks, and soda.

5. Control your craving

The next tip is to refrain from emotional binging, as satiety due to the good taste is only momentary.

6. Monitor body weight every day

Ngabila recommended all individuals diligently monitor their weight daily. Meanwhile, people above 40 years of age and having comorbidities can conduct regular checks at least once every three days, including checking the levels of blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.

7. Increase physical activities

As the intake of food tends to increase, Ngabila advised people to step up their physical activity, such as by going for light walks or clocking about 6,000-8,000 steps per day and increasing the number gradually.

8. Intermittent fasting

If possible, you can try intermittent fasting by only drinking water or unsweetened drinks for 12 or 14 hours.

9. Get enough sleep, manage stress, and stop smoking

Finally, adopt a healthy lifestyle by not smoking, getting at least 7 hours of sleep, and managing stress to avoid constant hunger or excessive cravings.

"Let's make sure we stay healthy this Eid because health is the biggest investment in staying fit and productive," said the doctor, who currently serves as head of medical and nursing services at Tamansari Hospital in Jakarta.
  

ANTARA

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