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fter a month of fasting, Muslims will celebrate Idul Fitri, a day of rebirth and festivities as each house opens its doors to welcome family, friends and neighbors. As each family lays out their signature dishes, snacks and beverages, many of which are high in sugar and fat, it is common for people to experience digestive or other serious illnesses, like high blood pressure, with the sudden increase in food consumption after a long period of fasting.

Here are several tips on staying fit and healthy during Idul Fitri.

Avoid excess eating

Be careful when consuming sweeter snacks and beverages. When consuming coconut milk-based food, only consume the meat and avoid the heavy sauce. Peel the skin off the chicken. Skip fried dishes and opt for dishes that are either boiled, steamed or grilled. Of course, you can still have some, but just make sure it is a moderate portion.

Eat the green

Dishes served during Idul Fitri are usually those made with coconut milk, such as opor (chicken or beef cooked with coconut milk), sambal goreng ati (chicken or beef liver cooked with diced potatoes, spices and coconut milk) and rendang (beef stew). Besides these high-calories dishes, various snacks and sweet beverages can also send calorie consumption into the stratosphere. Balance that with fruit and vegetables. Lalapan (fresh vegetables), such as carrots, eggplant and labu siam (chayote), are good alternative dishes with their wealth of vitamins and fiber.

Go for high-fiber food

Beside the fiber from fruit and vegetables, there are other alternatives such as cashew nuts or salted peanuts. Another option would be instant agar-agar, which is made from seaweed.

Drink enough water
Tackle the temptation to overeat by drinking enough water. Avoid soft drinks, punch and syrup-based beverages.

Eat small portions

As it is considered impolite to refuse the food offered when visiting a relative, have a few snacks and no more. Stick to regular meal times and only have a meal if a meal time takes place during a house visit.

Exercise

Although it is a day of celebration, keep yourself healthy by doing exercises. Leave your vehicles at home and walk around the neighbors to wish them Eid Mubarak.

Preventive measures

If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, check your levels regularly and be sure to consume your medicine as prescribed by the doctor.