Enjoying Hari Raya Without the Calories Overload

Hari Raya is a time of joy, family gatherings, and, of course, an abundance of delicious food. From ketupat and rendang to the irresistible array of kuih-muih, it can be easy to indulge a little too much. However, with the right strategies, you can enjoy all the festive flavours without overdoing it on the calories, especially if you’re trying to be mindful of maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Here’s how you can manoeuvre Hari Raya without the guilt!

1. Embrace Portion Control

During Hari Raya, it’s common to have a little bit of everything. But when you’re surrounded by so many tempting dishes, it’s important to practice portion control. Instead of piling your plate high, opt for smaller portions of your favourite dishes. This way, you can enjoy a variety of foods without overindulging.

Tip: Try using a smaller plate, so you’re more conscious of your portions and less likely to go overboard. This visual trick often helps curb overeating!

2. Savour the Sweets, But Don’t Overindulge

Kuih-muih, from pineapple tarts to kueh lapis, are one of the highlights of Hari Raya. But, these sweet treats can quickly add up in terms of calories. The key is to savour them slowly and consciously rather than grabbing them mindlessly.

Tip: Try limiting yourself to one or two pieces of your favourite kuih. And if you have a sweet tooth, you can also make healthier versions at home by substituting some ingredients, like using almond flour instead of regular flour or reducing the sugar content.

3. Hydrate Wisely

It’s easy to forget to drink water when there’s so much delicious food and sugary drinks around. But staying hydrated is essential, especially when indulging in rich foods. Drink water before meals to help control hunger and prevent overeating. Opt for coconut water or unsweetened iced tea to keep your hydration levels up without loading on the calories from sugary drinks.

Tip: Keep a water bottle close by during gatherings, so you’re more likely to reach for it than for extra servings of high-calorie drinks.

4. Stay Active During the Festivities

Just because it’s a festive time doesn’t mean you should neglect physical activity. In fact, staying active is a great way to offset some of the extra calories consumed during the holiday. After a hearty meal, take a walk around the neighbourhood, catch up with loved ones while walking, or even engage in a friendly game of football or badminton with family members.

If you’re already an active person, like running or participating in group classes, keep up your fitness routine, even if it’s just for a shorter duration during the holiday period.

Tip : Most weekends, visiting starts from 11am onwards. Why not take this opportunity to attend early morning classes before going out for visiting?

5. Be Mindful of Your Mindset

The festive season can often come with pressure to overeat, especially with family members and friends encouraging you to take seconds or thirds. It’s important to be mindful of your goals and focus on eating for enjoyment rather than overconsumption.

A good strategy is to remind yourself that there’s no rush. You can always eat again later, and there’s no need to finish everything on your plate just because it’s there.

6. Include More Veggies

It’s easy to overlook the vegetables during Hari Raya, with so many delicious meats and carbs on offer. But adding a colourful array of vegetables to your plate will not only make your meal more nutritious but also help you feel fuller without consuming too many calories.

Consider incorporating salads, stir-fried veggies, or even a vegetable soup to complement your meal. Plus, many traditional Malaysian and Singaporean vegetable dishes are packed with flavour and can make you feel lighter after the feast.

7. Set Realistic Expectations

Lastly, it’s important to remember that Hari Raya is about enjoying time with loved ones and celebrating your culture. If you indulge a bit more than usual, that’s okay! One or two meals won’t make or break your health or fitness goals. What matters is your overall approach to health throughout the year. Don’t stress about every bite—just focus on balance and moderation.

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Celebrating Hari Raya doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your health goals. By being mindful of your portions, making healthier choices, and staying active, you can enjoy the festive meals without overdoing it on the calories. Embrace the joy of the season while keeping your well-being in check. After all, the holiday is about creating lasting memories with your loved ones, not counting every calorie!

Wishing you a festive season filled with joy, balance, and good health!

Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir dan Batin from Team Activ.Co. ❤️✨