After a complete month of fasting for Ramadan, UAE residents
may be tempted to overeat with Eid holiday celebrations just around the corner.
However, doctors warn against overindulging and encourage residents to
gradually prepare their bodies for regular eating.
Dubai Health Authority’s Smart Clinic doctors took to social
media to answer questions and give advice on maintaining good health after
Ramadan and preparing for Eid, which is an extended celebration customarily
enjoyed with a variety of sweets and juices.
“I advise people to start their Eid with a cup of tea and a
healthy light breakfast to gradually prepare their body for their new eating
habit after Ramadan,” Sitelbanat Makki, senior clinical dietician at Latifa
Hospital, said.
In order to maintain the weight loss many experienced during
Ramadan, Makki suggests drinking a cup of water before and after meals to give
the feeling of fullness and continue to eat less to be satisfied. In addition,
she advised that people eat generally healthy meals, be aware of portions and
fill plates with vegetables, fruits and lean meats.
The sudden change in eating may cause bloating and other stomach
pains. To avoid these issues, Makki recommends not sleeping immediately after a
meal and avoiding foods that are high in fat or fried.
For diabetics, Jalal Nafach, consultant endocrinologist at the Dubai Diabetes Center, urges avoiding juices and drinking plenty of water
to help cleanse the body of the new diet.
