Eid 2023 detox: How to lose weight and get back in shape after Eid celebrations

Eid-Al-Fitr is one of the most auspicious Muslim festivals and is celebrated across the globe with much fanfare. It is also known as the "Festival of Breaking the Fast" as this day marks the end of month-long fasting (dawn to dusk) during the holy month of Ramadan. Depending on the sighting of the moon, Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday night (May 24) and if not, it will be observed on May 25 (Monday).

Usually, the festival is celebrated with great pomp and show as people dress up to the nines and meet their family and friends. After a month of fasting every day from dawn to sunset, the celebration of Eid also brings the chance of gorging on a range of mouthwatering delicacies and savouries. While no one wants to leave the chance of feasting on scrumptious dishes, we also need to remember our weight loss goals.

Yes, while a month of fasting may have been good for you, both spiritually and physically, overindulgence on the tempting spread of food items can actually wreak havoc on your body. This is especially important if you have been working hard to shed the extra kilos and get back in shape.

There are certain things you should keep in mind to stay true to your weight loss journey without putting a damper on Eid celebrations. These tips can also come handy if you have already overindulged in high calories and salt-laden food during the festivities.

This may sound like the most obvious answer, but even as we stay holed up inside our homes due to the pandemic, we are still not drinking enough water. In between work from home and working for home, pouring ourselves a glass of water may not seem important right now.

If you are trying to monitor your diet, we suggest drinking two glasses of water before you sit down to eat as it cuts down food intake and also reduces cravings. Moreover, when your body is hydrated your energy expenditure at rest increases meaning that you burn calories faster.

This is especially important if you are feasting on delicacies dripping with oil and sugar during the celebrations of Eid. Make it a point to practise restraint and eat slowly. It will help you recognise the signals of your body when you begin to feel full. Pay attention to these signals and do not overeat once you feel satiated.

After month-long fasting, your body adapts to the fasting schedule and indulging in high-salt and fat-laden food items may not be a wise idea. Alternatively, one should start consuming smaller portions of food and reduce the interval between the meals. If you wish to keep your weight in check start eating fresh fruits and vegetables before you lay your hands on high-calories snacks.

In addition to paying attention to what you are eating, it is also crucial to get up and get moving. We understand that with the lockdown in place, you may not be exactly motivated to do a full-blown workout. Fret not, walking for thirty minutes daily will also be beneficial in keeping your weight in check. One can also follow the 'walk while you talk' routine to stay active throughout the day. After that, you can gradually include cardio exercises like running and skipping rope in your routine.

In addition to remote working, getting up early in the morning during the month of Ramadan may have thrown your sleep cycle completely off the track. Not a lot of people know this, but if you are not sleeping well and feel sleep deprived throughout the day, it can also impact your weight loss journey! Various studies have linked poor sleeping habits to increasing obesity in both kids and adults. So, make sure that you hit the sheets on time every night and switch off your electronics an hour before you go to sleep.