Be wary of how much you eat during Hari Raya - Dietitian

KUALA LUMPUR - With Aidilfitri celebration around the corner, one should be wary of indulging in delicious cuisine as to not overeat because it will have harmful effects on the health and body, according to a dietitian.

Dietetics Senior Manager at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City Celeste Lau said overeating especially after a month of fasting could result in significant weight gain and increase risk of developing unwanted diseases.

"It is not impossible for an individual's weight to increase by three kilogrammes in a month if they attend many social activities such as open houses and consume many main dishes or heavy meals including various snacks and sweet drinks.

"They would be exposed to the risk of heart disease or even sudden death if they eat and drink too much, eat uncontrollably, lack rest and sleep. Although the risk is low or rare, it may happen," she said in a statement.

Lau said it is vital for individuals with chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and kidney disease to control their food intake and maintain their lifestyle during the festive season.

"Although the celebration of the festival does not occur often, if the diet and lifestyle are not maintained, it may interfere or waste the disease preventive efforts that were done before.

"For those who are not sick, if they do not take care of their diet, and they lack rest, sleep and exercise, the common health problems experienced during festive season are weight gain, gastrointestinal problems such as flatulence, constipation, headaches, food poisoning, fever or bacterial infection," said Lau.

Therefore, she advised everyone to adopt a healthy lifestyle and diet as making such decisions and choices can guarantee the well-being and health of the body in the long run.

Lau added that the public should also control and reduce the consumption of high-sugar food and drinks as well as following the healthy eating plate's principle 'Quarter Quarter Half'.

"Reduce foods such as cookies, cakes, chocolate, sweets and sugary drinks, increase the intake of fresh and natural foods and drink more plain water.

"What is important is to make sure that the food taken is balanced, simple and diverse, such as the concept of Quarter Quarter Half or the Malaysian Healthy Plate concept introduced by the government so that the food chosen is balanced according to the appropriate quantity," she said.

As Aidilfitri is celebrated cheerfully and happily, Lau said that it is important to adopt a healthy diet and lifestyle so as to not affect one’s health during and after the celebration.

"In addition to disciplining ourselves to adopt a healthy lifestyle and diet, we can also encourage and provide healthy or balanced food and drinks to visiting guests. Eat according to need and don't indulge your cravings, always remember that balanced, moderate and varied is the key to long-term health," she added. - BERNAMA