MUSCAT: As Oman celebrates Eid al Fitr, the joy is contagious and the greetings will continue for the first three days of the festival.
The houses are ready to welcome guests with best of dishes and in all Omani houses there would be the distinguished Omani hospitality of halwa and kahwa.
Sumaira Fathima, a clinical dietitian, IMC Sugar, Apollo, recommends a smooth transition from fasting to feasting by eating small, healthy meals and avoiding overeating.
She told the Observer, "During the time of Eid, enjoy meals with family and get-togethers but keep an eye on portions specially on sweets, desserts and savories, which adds to most of the unhealthy calories and weight gain. After the completion of fasting, hydration is important."
Hydration is also important, particularly in the hot summer weather. Drinking plenty of water and snacking on fruits can help quench thirst and combat the heat.
Additionally, she warns that sudden changes in eating patterns can cause digestive issues such as indigestion, gastritis, acid reflux, constipation, or diarrhoea.
“Hydrate well by drinking plenty of water. Fruit flavoured water, lemonade, cucumber-mint juice, fresh fruit juice can all help to quench thirst and combat summers as well as aids gut,” she said.
Now we are back to consuming food during the day time and this is a change that body will be adjusting to as the frequency of food intake is back to normal. However we need to be gentle for the body to make the adjustment.
“Sudden change in eating patterns and differences can cause indigestion, gastritic acid and at times constipation or diarrhoea.
Space meals with time, enjoy traditional delicacies in acceptable portions and gear up for the holiday by being physically active and let the body accept the gradual change of fasting to eating regular healthy meals,” she advised, adding, “Eat normal meals comprising of whole cereals, vegetables, fruits, proteins and healthy fats, while avoiding spices, excess caffeinated drinks and junk foods.”
As always the beauty of health is the fact that mind is also involved. And the mind has been achieving qualities throughout the days of Ramadhan.
“Let the zest of Ramadhan continue with prayers, charity along with healthy eating and nourishment to the body and soul,” she concluded.
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