7 Ways to Celebrate Eid Al Fitr in a Healthy Way

Eid Al Fitr is an Arabic word that means “Festival of Breaking the Fast.” The sighting of the crescent moon marks the end of Ramadan, one of the two major festivals celebrated by the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims. This blessed festival begins on the eve of May 1st and ends on May 2nd in the UAE. 

Eid Al Fitr includes family gatherings, visits, special prayers, charity, and gift-giving. Among the festivities and a variety of delectable delicacies, it’s all too easy to lose sight of your health. Heavy meals can cause digestive problems, especially after a month-long fast. 

So here are a few healthy ways to celebrate Eid. 

Prophet Muhammad drank water and ate some dates while breaking a fast. Likewise, health experts recommend that you begin Eid Al Fitr by drinking water and eating some dates, which will provide you with fiber, magnesium, potassium, and natural sugar. On the other hand, adding almonds to dates provides an extra boost of protein to help you break your fast. 

Take small bites. 

A month of fasting acclimates your body to a new way of eating. After fasting, your stomach will be smaller, so gradually ease back into your regular eating routine. Consuming a large meal in one sitting may cause stomach discomfort. Eating smaller portions will help you digest food more easily and increase your metabolism.

Sugar should be avoided at all costs. 

Sweets and treats are a part of this happy celebration, but it’s best to keep them to a minimum. Overindulging in sweets might cause your blood sugar levels to rise if you have diabetes. High post-meal blood glucose levels have been shown in studies to be strong predictors of cardiovascular risk.

Consume probiotics. 

A fast is an excellent way to replenish your gut’s beneficial microbiota. Good bacteria thrive in your intestines while you fast. Consuming probiotic yogurt, cheese, and polyphenol-rich foods such as berries, onions, leeks, artichokes, and extra virgin oil during Eid will provide energy to the numerous good bacteria in your gut.

Drink plenty of water. 

Hydration is necessary to maintain a normal body temperature, deliver nutrients to cells, and keep organs in working order. It also enhances sleep, cognition, and mood. Drink fruit-infused water and eat several hydrating fruits to replenish your hydration levels. Infused water aids in appetite control and regulating blood sugar and prevents heartburn.

Consume fruits and veggies. 

Including a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet replenishes your body’s vitamins and minerals depleted during your fast. A healthy salad made up of a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables would be a good choice. Peppers, lettuce, tomato, sweet corn, carrot, radish, and cucumbers are all good options.

Limit your meat consumption. 

The celebrations are synonymous with a non-vegetarian fare. Experts advise against breaking your fast with red meats because it is more difficult to digest than eggs or fish and contains a lot of calories. So opt for leaner cuts and serve it as your second course. Trying new foods after a fast can be difficult on your stomach and make you sick. 

Stay away from carbonated beverages. 

Soft drinks are high in empty calories. According to medical experts, carbonated drinks should be avoided after long periods of fasting because they may impair kidney function. As an alternative, you can drink homemade fresh juices or even green tea. Fizzy drinks have also been linked to a number of diseases, including dehydration, diarrhea, kidney problems, and cancer.

Make happy memories this Eid Al Fitr. 

Even if the rest of the world appears to be bleak, you can make your own little world a vibrant, happy, and safe haven. Celebrate Eid with lots of love, good food, and laughter to create happy memories with family and friends. Celebrating and being grateful for all of life’s blessings improves one’s well-being, strengthens one’s identity, and fosters strong relationships.