Post binge-eating feasts: Six ways to return to a normal, healthy diet after Eid

After 30 days of fasting in Ramazan comes Eidul Fitr, and having had restrained our impulses for so long, it is only natural to crave the fatty foods we once consumed at odd hours or all hours, irrespective of the time and place. Moreover, celebrations that bring together families and friends, celebrations like ‘Meethi Eid’, demand lavish feasts as a way of sharing and giving, alongside sweet delicacies. 

But nutritionists urge to ensure a smooth transition to a normal diet, rather than an impulsive jump to our old, harmful ways, especially after Ramazan to avoid health complications, as per Khaleej Times. "Treating food as a reward can endanger your efforts to develop a healthy diet in your daily life. Listen to your body and practice partial control," the outlet quoted Clinical Dietitian Javeria Qureshi as saying.

Restoring metabolism starts with getting your sleep routines, hydration and nutrition back on track. Below are some tips to start.

Don't skip breakfast

After going a month without breakfast, the body needs food in the morning to reconstruct itself. So, it’s best to start by repeating what you did during the Iftar in Ramazan. Break your fast with dates, milkshakes and smoothies. Eat high-protein foods or fruits. You can experiment with your food options but skipping breakfast is a big no.

Small nutritious meals

Our dietary patterns, timing of our food intake, change our metabolism. Thus, the most important aspect of the post-Ramazan transition is the ability to restore metabolism by setting regular mealtimes. Eat a healthy breakfast and keep your evening meals lighter with vegetables, raw salads, and whole grains to get enough fibre.

Consuming lean, untreated protein is also an option. Cottage cheese and buttermilk should be part of your daily life since it not only helps with digestion, but also helps in keeping the body cool in hot weather.

Eat during the day

Everything is eaten at night during Ramazan, so it is mandatory to eat more in the morning or afternoon as opposed to reserving the nighttime for food consumption. Also increase consumption of nutritious foods liks vegetables and salads, as they help detoxify the body from all the sweet and processed food we may have overdosed on. 

Restrain, replace

Speaking of sweets, no, it is not required to skip deserts altogether but it is imperative to practice moderation. However, replace soft drinks and juices with plenty of water to, once again, improve your metabolism. Replace your sweet cravings with fresh dried fruits such as dates, figs and raisins.

Put some food on your blacklist

After Eid, do not eat fried foods, fast foods, junk foods, or greasy and spicy foods. Ideally, this should be followed all year round but it is especially important to not consume anything unhealthy after a month of fasting because your body is more likely to experience gas, acidity, and indigestion. 

Physical activity

Having had rested at odd hours all month round due to the distorted sleeping pattern in Ramazan, stay active by boosting metabolism through physical activity. Do not go back to being a couch potato, start challenging yourself again.