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Eating tips: go for quality, not quantity - LRE - 12-10-2008 12:33 PM Eating tips: go for quality, not quantity By Mahtab Bashir ISLAMABAD: Today is Eidul Azha, one of the biggest festivals celebrated by the Muslims. It is a time to perform religious ritual and enjoy family get-togethers. The Eid is marked with celebrations, which include lots of food especially with high protein intake. For some persons, the day can mean enjoying too much meat, sweetmeats, desserts and drinks. But excessive intake of meat and sweetmeats may force many to rush to hospitals following diarrhoea, vomiting, cardiac ailments, gastric discomfort, increased acidity, abdominal cramp, constipation and high level of sugar in blood circulation. With a little know-how and vigilance, you can get as much enjoyment during Eid without feeling guilty or unhealthy, followings are the few strategies, collected by Daily Times from different medical experts, which can help you get through the Eid holidays without having a need to put your healthy-eating habits on hold. Quality not quantity: Your favourite calorie-laden foods do not have to be completely off-limits this time. Make an effort to enjoy them in smaller portions. The taste is usually enough to satisfy a craving without overindulging. To help eat smaller portions, choose a salad plate instead of a dinner plate and serve yourself. Snack strategy: To prevent overeating during Eid days, do not skip meals and arrive at an event with an empty stomach. This means eating meals regularly throughout the day and having a light snack between meals to keep blood sugar level consistent. Healthy foods first: When serving yourself at a buffet or dinner party, fill up on healthy foods first. That means taking fatty and spicy or smoked food less and more of salad, fruits other healthy dishes. This is an easy strategy to reduce your intake of rich foods and by round two you will not be as hungry and will be less likely to reach for the unhealthy fare. Take calorie-free liquid: Calories in beverages can quickly add up to body unfitness. To avoid unnecessary liquid calories, drink plenty of water instead of carbonated soft drinks. Always prefer tea to beverages, as the former is tasty and calorie-free. Plan ahead: If you attend a get-together where food is served, take a low-calorie dish to share. That’s way you can partake in the event and know there is at least one healthy dish you can enjoy. Focus on activity, not on food: Start your own family traditions by planning get-togethers around activities, instead of meals. While a meal is quickly forgotten, a fun event will be remembered for years to come. Playing any sort of game as the focus of a get-together will take the emphasis off food and burn calories. Choose wisely: Most of the dishes prepared in connection with Eidul Azha focus on sacrificial animals’ meat. Prepare these special dishes with low-fat sauces to keep calories at a minimum. Use traditional spices to add extra flavour without adding extra fat. Home care: If someone becomes sick; it is really tough to get a doctor on Eid day. For this reason, you can take some over the counter drugs at your home for emergency. Oral saline is well known to all used in diarrhoea. In case a baby suffers from aliment, zinc tablet should be administered along with saline. Antacid is another useful drug to neutralise gastric acid. Take these medicines at your home, but seek medical help if the condition deteriorates. To avoid disappointment from unrealistic goals this time, focus on taking taste without overeating. By setting realistic goals instead of an all-time ban on Eid indulgences, you are also ready to feel better about the Eid holidays once these are over. Do not forget the importance of exercise. Regardless of how you celebrate, healthy eating habits combined with physical activity can help you celebrate the Eid holidays in a befitting manner. daily times RE: Eating tips: go for quality, not quantity - LRE - 12-12-2008 10:22 PM http://www.express.com.pk/20081212