Hari Raya is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and delicious food.
However, for mums and families who are trying to watch their weight or follow a healthy lifestyle, this festive time can be a challenging period.
Especially if you’re pregnant. With so much tempting food around, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy diet.
By following these tips, you can still enjoy the festivities while maintaining your health and fitness goals.
Here are 8 diet tips that can help mums and families control their weight during Hari Raya.
8 Tips to Maintain Your Diet
Plan Ahead
Everyone more or less serves the same thing during Raya. Rendang, lodeh, lemang, ketupat.
Planning ahead is the key to success when it comes to controlling your diet during Hari Raya.
Before the festivities begin, make a list of the types of food that you would like to indulge in and decide on the portions that you will allow yourself.
Do this before you go for your Raya visitations at relatives’ and friends’ houses.
This will help you avoid overeating and maintain your weight.
Choose Healthy Options
When it comes to choosing the right food during Hari Raya, it is important to make healthy choices. Instead of indulging in fried food, opt for grilled or baked dishes.
Especially if you’re cooking at home for yourself and your family.
You’ll already have no shortages of decadent food that you can enjoy at other people’s house.
So ensuring you home-cooked meals are a little healthier is the key to controlling your weight.
Choose lean meats, fish, vegetables, and whole grains. Make sure to avoid foods that are high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats.
Control Portion Sizes
Portion control is essential when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet during Hari Raya. You will probably be visiting 5 or more houses in a single day.
That’s a lot of food. Resist the urge to go for seconds. Opt for small portions. Smaller than you would normally go for.
In fact don’t even think of them as meals but appetisers. If you can, skip breakfast altogether.
You will definitely be eating loads at other people’s houses anyway.
Avoid Snacking
During Hari Raya, it is easy to get carried away with snacks and delicacies.
There are so many kuih-muih, deserts, pastries and other sweet delights that people will serve.
It’s only natural. Part of the fun of Hari Raya is getting to indulge our guests.
But if you’re really serious about maintaining your weight, try to avoid scoffing down too many of these treats at people’s houses.
If you must indulge, choose healthier options such as fruits or nuts. This will help you keep your calorie intake in check.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is essential during Hari Raya.
Not only will it help you stay hydrated, but it will also help you control your appetite.
Sometimes when we feel hungry, we are actually thirsty.
Drinking water can help you feel fuller for longer periods, reducing your urge to eat.
But be sure to drink proper H20 and not those sugary beverages they serve during Raya like sirap bandung, cendol, Ribena or teh tarik.
Practice Mindful Eating
Mindful eating is the practice of being present and aware of what you are eating.
During Hari Raya, it is easy to get caught up in the festivities and forget to pay attention to what we are consuming.
Take the time to savor your food, chew slowly, and enjoy the flavours.
This will help you feel satisfied and reduce your urge to overeat.
Stay Active
Staying active during Hari Raya is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Engage in physical activity such as walking, jogging, or dancing to burn off calories and maintain your metabolism.
Encourage your family members to join in and make it a fun activity for everyone.
Have a Healthy Hari Raya
As the Hari Raya celebration approaches, it is important for mums and families to prioritise their health and well-being by practicing healthy eating habits.
By following these eight diet control tips during Hari Raya, mums and families can indulge in festive treats without compromising their health goals.
It is important to remember that moderation is key, and making small changes to our eating habits can have a big impact on our overall health.
By incorporating these tips into their daily routine, mums and families can enjoy a happy and healthy Hari Raya celebration.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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