Image of a vegetable basket used for representation.
DOHA: Moderate eating habit is key to safe and healthy Eid Al Adha, especially for individuals with chronic medical conditions, said Ra’ed Alalaween, Senior Clinical Dietician at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).
Most of traditional food prepared during Eid celebrations are high in fat, salt, and sugar. Alalaween said that overconsuming sweets and other highly-processed carbohydrates can be dangerous, particularly for individuals with pre-existing health conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
“Most food traditionally eaten during Eid feasts are high in fat, salt, and sugar. It is a time of year when families eat a range of delicious foods that are not normally consumed throughout the year and this can lead to overindulgence. It is therefore important to focus on being healthy and exercise discipline and self-control when eating,” said Alalaween.
He also said that while weight gain, indigestion, heartburn, and abdominal bloating are the usual discomforts associated with overeating in a person of general good health, overindulging can have serious consequences for those with existing health problems.
“Overeating during Eid feasts is unfortunately very common. It can be challenging to say no to a gracious host; however, consuming large quantities of food and drink can have serious consequences for individuals who have chronic conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes,” said Alalaween.
For those who are following a special diet, Alalaween recommends bringing your own food when invited to a gathering.
He says most hosts will appreciate an additional dish at their party. He notes that many traditional dishes can be prepared in a healthier way, with lower fat and calories, but with the same delicious flavour.
“Simple alterations to popular recipes, for example using less ghee or replacing margarine with olive oil or milk with low-fat milk, can make a big difference in terms of the amount of fat and calories without negatively impacting the flavor. Similarly, honey and molasses are natural sweeteners and are a healthy and tasty alternative to the refined sugar in many popular dessert recipes.
“Many chicken recipes can be made healthier by removing the skin and the saturated fat in meat dishes can be reduced by blotting the meat with a paper towel to remove any remaining grease and fat,” said Alalaween, adding that while Eid is an occasion to celebrate and enjoy a variety of dishes, moderation should always be the goal.
He said that this recommendation is particularly important for individuals with a chronic medical condition.
