After we say goodbye to the faithful bulan puasa here come Hari Raya celebrations. As we all know during Hari Raya we’re surrounded by the irresistible allure of Malay cuisine, from the savory comforts of ketupat and rendang to the sweet temptations of countless kuih muih. During this beautiful celebration we might tend to neglect our precious body and health.
It’s easy to get caught up in the Hari Raya spirit with family and friends, our happy mind and body would reach happily to the delicious food, desserts and drinks forgetting that even the most delightful treats can become harmful if consumed without moderation. Let’s discover together the ways that we can do to ensure a healthier Hari Raya celebration.
Healthy Starts with Less Sugar
Let’s be honest, Malaysian love their sugar. From our everyday teh tarik and kuih lapis to the Raya-special sirap ais and fizzy drinks, we’re surrounded by sweetness. To further sweeten the celebration, we enjoy a variety of kuih raya, including almond london, bangkit cheese and semperit.
Instead of unconsciously consuming sugar, what we can do is be mindful and switch to a healthier option air kosong, water is free from added sugar and brimming with health benefits for our body. Every time you crave the sugary and carbonated drink just chug on your air kosong.
To moderate sugar intake during open house visits, limit consumption to one or two pieces of kuih raya. When available, prioritize fruits which offer a natural source of vitamins and fiber, contributing to a healthier dietary choice compared to processed kuih raya.
Protein Power: Strengthen Yourself During Raya
This festive season, maintaining a balanced and healthy portion of food might be difficult due to the overwhelming amount of food served during celebration. But we must remember that it is important to take care of our health and body. If a balanced meal might be impossible, shift your focus to protein.
Protein will help your body and muscle to stay strong and energized throughout the long Hari Raya visits and activities. You can take the Rendang, Kuah Kacang and Ayam Masak Merah in moderate portion, do take out the carbs from your plate and focus only on protein and vegetables. It’s better to take a protein rich meal before going out to a Raya open house to avoid overeating and reduce snacking on sweet foods.
Fasting for Wellness: A Raya Reset
After a month of Ramadan and the joyous festivities of Hari Raya, our bodies might feel a little overwhelmed from the rich and abundant food. Our digestive systems can benefit from a break and fasting allows the digestive organs to rest and recover, promoting better digestion and nutrient absorption.
If you’re looking for a more flexible approach, intermittent fasting (IF) can be a good option. IF involves cycling between periods of eating and voluntary fasting on a regular schedule. It is important to consult your doctor before starting any intermittent fasting program. There are various IF methods, such as the 16/8 method (16 hours of fasting, 8 hours of eating), which can be adapted to your lifestyle.
For Muslims, observing the six days of Syawal fasting (Puasa 6) is a beautiful way to continue the spiritual and physical benefits of Ramadan. It’s a gentle transition back to a regular eating pattern and a way to seek further blessings.
Raya Steps: Stay Active During Celebrations
The essence of Hari Raya lies in visiting house to house, a cherished tradition where hosts welcome family and friends into their homes to share in the festive joy. This act of communal celebration forms the heart of Hari Raya, strengthening bonds and fostering togetherness.
Even amidst the celebrations, staying active is paramount. Fortunately, Hari Raya naturally encourages movement. Walking from house to house, mingling with guests, and assisting with household chores all contribute to increased activity. Incorporating 10,000 steps into your Raya routine can significantly improve digestion, boost energy levels, help maintain weight and enhance mood.
Every small step count during Hari Raya. By choosing to walk between houses, engaging in lively conversations, and lending a hand with hosting duties, you’ll naturally burn extra calories and promote healthy digestion. These small adjustments to your Raya routine will help you stay active and achieve your 10,000 step goal, ensuring a healthier and more vibrant celebration.
Raya Wellbeing: Prioritizing Health Throughout the Festivities.
As we have explored, Hari Raya is a time of joy and celebration but our health will remain a continuous journey. Even amidst the delicious food and festive gatherings, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial. The busy schedule of open houses and visits can be draining, so prioritizing healthy habits ensure we have the energy to fully enjoy the celebrations.
Raya dishes are rich and plentiful, therefore making conscious choices about sugar, protein, and portion sizes helps us enjoy the food without compromising our wellbeing. Our digestive system can be challenged by the change in eating patterns and incorporating fasting and mindful eating habits helps to maintain digestive health.
The habits we established during Raya can set the stage for a healthier lifestyle beyond the festive season. Staying active and eating well contributes to good health, allowing us to be present and enjoy the precious moments with family and friends.
Raya Wellness: A Shared Journey to Healthier Celebrations
Embarking on a healthier Raya journey is even more rewarding when shared. Let’s make this festive season a collective effort towards wellbeing. Begin by incorporating the tips we’ve discussed into your own Raya routine, showing your friends and family how simple changes can make a big difference.
By encouraging our friends and relatives to join us, we’re building a community of wellbeing and making this Raya a truly healthy and joyful celebration for everyone
Let’s make this Hari Raya a celebration of both togetherness and wellbeing, where we cherish our traditions while prioritizing our health. Selamat Hari Raya!
