Celebrate Raya with no rendang regrets
Alhamdulillah, we are blessed to welcome another Hari Raya Aidilfitri. A time of joy, gratitude and togetherness. And let’s be honest – a large part of the celebrations involves scrumptious plates of lemang, rendang, and kuih raya; testing our willpower to stay on the healthy eating habits cultivated throughout the month before.
This year, Raya festivities coincide with the World Health Day. Hence, it is only apt that we take a moment to reflect on the importance of our health and balancing our open house feasts with a commitment to staying healthy. After all, how can we fully enjoy the festivities if we are not feeling our best?
Food makes up a big part of any culture. But in Malaysia, we take pride in our local delicacies and unleash our Asian hospitality during Hari Raya open houses. While it is tempting to indulge, overeating can lead to discomfort, fatigue, and even long-term health issues. Here are some tips to enjoy the festivities without compromising your health:
1. Eat in moderation: Enjoy your favourite dishes, but in smaller portions, especially when there is always a buffet of special delicacies at open houses.
“Eat and drink, but do not waste. Indeed, He does not like the wasteful.” (Al-A’raaf, 7:31)
Moderation is key to maintaining balance.
2. Stay active: Incorporate physical activities into your celebrations. Go for walks after meals, or why not get your family together for a Raya pickleball session?
3. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially when consuming sugary or salty foods. This helps with digestion and keeps your energy levels up. Our Malaysian weather is also a generally hot and humid, so hydration is key!
4. Choose healthier options: Whenever possible, opt for grilled or steamed dishes instead of fried or oily ones, and include more fruits and vegetables in your meals.
Better still, bring your own fruit snacks to open houses to make sure you always have your fibre portion.
5. Listen to your body: Pay attention to how you feel. If you are full, stop eating. If you are too polite to decline your aunt’s invitation to eat, get a small portion.
Good health is one of the greatest blessings we can have. The World Health Day, celebrated annually on 7 April, is a global reminder to prioritise our health and protect our well-being. Just as we protect and strengthen relationships during Hari Raya, we must also protect our health to ensure we can continue to be there for our loved ones.
This is where Takaful plays an important role; more than just financial protection; it is also a peace of mind. Takaful products such as Pusara Pro are a way to prepare for the unexpected while staying true to Islamic principles.
This Syawal, let’s celebrate not just with feasts and festivities but with a renewed commitment to our health and well-being. From all of us at Ouch!, we wish you Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, and remember: your health is your greatest wealth!
Find out more about Pusara Pro by clicking here or download the Ouch! Takaful mobile app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store today.
Disclaimer: The information in our blog articles and provided by our brand ambassadors/KOLs is for general insights only and not legally binding. We strive for accuracy but cannot guarantee the information’s completeness or reliability. For legal matters, consult official documents or contact an authorised Ouch! representative.