#Diet: Eat Mindfully During Festivities

13 April 2023

Many traditional dishes are prepared and consumed as part of festivities in Malaysia, making it easy to overindulge. It is important to prioritise health and wellbeing and be mindful of what we eat, even during celebrations.

Overeating during the festive period can lead to weight gain, especially when consuming more calories than we are burning off. This can have long-term health consequences such as an increased risk of obesity and related health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

Eating too much or consuming high-fat, high-sugar dishes can also lead to digestive problems like indigestion, bloating and constipation, says Sunway Medical Centre consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist, Dr Lim Sim Yee.

She recommends grilled or baked dishes in place of fried or high-fat foods and dishes with lean protein, whole grains and plenty of vegetables.

Controlling portion sizes by using a smaller plate or taking smaller portions of each dish, and eating slowly can help one feel more satisfied with food and prevent overeating.

Sweet Meals

Managing sugar intake can be challenging during the festive season as many traditional dishes, drinks and desserts are high in sugar.

Opt for water or unsweetened drinks whenever possible. You can also try to make your own drinks by infusing water with fruits and herbs. Fresh fruits can satisfy your sweet cravings without the added sugar.

"You can also try making healthier versions of traditional desserts using natural sweeteners like dates, honey, and maple syrup instead of white sugar. Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe and add more fibre-rich ingredients like whole grains or fruits," says Dr Lim.

Children are also prone to eating too many festive cookies and snacks and drinking syrup-based and carbonated drinks as they go house to house visiting family and friends. Set a good example for your children and become a role model for healthy eating by making healthy choices yourself.

"Set limits on the amount of sweet or high-calorie foods your child can eat each day during the festive period. Encourage them to share their treats with family and friends, rather than eating by themselves, and encourage physical activity such as walks or bike rides. This can help burn off excess calories and energy, and promote a healthy lifestyle."

Source: New Straits Times

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