Hari Raya is a time when all of our family members and relatives visit each other, and the most essential thing in any celebration is food! When food is good, you might have a lot of choices, and the tendency to overeat is higher than on the usual day. From rendang to ketupat, kuih raya and all festive desserts, you might lose control from mindful eating! But, who says you can't enjoy all these without feeling guilty about staying fit and fabulous during Hari Raya?

There's a way to manage this, and what you need to do is just eat smart and feel great throughout the celebration days!

But how do you achieve this?

Tip 1: Portion Control is the Key!

We know that Hari Raya foods are irresistible, but that does not mean that you have to fill up your plate and consume all the delicacies! Remember, the portion is the key, and do follow our Healthy Meal Portion which is "Suku-suku Separuh" method:

• ¼ plate with protein (chicken, lean meat etc)
• ¼ plate with carbohydrates (ketupat, nasi impit, lemang etc)
• ½ plate with vegetables or fruits (ulam, salads,fruits)

By balancing your meals, you get to enjoy all foods in moderation without being bloated and guilty. It's recommended to take small portions and go for a second round only if you're still hungry.

Tip 2: Prepare Healthier Versions of Traditional Dishes

If you want to stay healthy during Hari Raya, you must be the one who initiates it. Be the host who serves healthier festive food and be different! Let your guests enjoy delicious food but at the same time pack with nutrition. We know that you might want to try Kharul Aming recipes, but let's make a few changes and make it healthier for your guests.

Here are examples of the modifications you can do to prepare your Raya dishes:

• Grill or baked your meat or chicken for the rendang so you can minimize the usage of oil to cook the protein and gravy
• Best to switch santan to low-fat coconut milk!
• Replace high-sugary or carbonated drinks with plain cold water or unsweetened beverages such as fruit-infused water, watermelon juice, and lemon ice and use natural sweeteners such as honey for your drinks.

Tip 3 : Always Stay Hydrated!

Don't forget to drink 8 glasses of water daily to stay refreshed and keep your skin glowing. Drinking higher amounts of high-sugar drinks can get your body dehydrated and feel sluggish. Thus, opting for plain water is the best choice to get enough hydration and also helps you to overeat during Raya.

Tip 4: Mindful Eating, Not Mindless Munching

Once a year, to have kuih raya and yes, kuih raya is tempting, but they’re often high in sugar and fat. Instead of munching on cookies non-stop while chatting with your relatives, be mindful of your intake:

• Limit yourself to 2-3 pieces of kuih per serving.
• Choose healthier options like almond-based or oat-based cookies.
• Snack on fresh fruits or nuts instead of high-calorie biscuits

Tip 5: Prioritize Sleep & Rest

• With late-night open houses, you must ensure to get 6-8 hours of sleep.
• Take short naps if needed to stay fresh throughout the day.
• Avoid excessive caffeine and sugary treats before bedtime

Tip 6: Stay Active, Even During Raya

We know that you want to consider it as a cheat day during celebrations. But to stay fit, you must stick to the routine and discipline. Staying fit doesn’t mean skipping celebrations. You can burn off the extra calories by:

• Walking instead of driving when visiting nearby relatives.
• Helping out in the kitchen (preparing food burns calories!).
• Do the simple stretching or yoga in the morning to stay energized.

Tip 7: Plan Your Raya Meals Wisely

If you know you’ll be visiting multiple houses, pace yourself by:

• Eat smaller portions at each house and remember to follow tip 1, a balanced portion is the key.
• Drinking water before meals to reduce overeating. Plain water is the best choice.
• Choosing the best dishes to enjoy instead of trying everything.

Last but not least, dress confidently, and feel good!

When you understand how to celebrate the festive season without feeling guilty about your diet, we believe that you are now able to blend your healthy lifestyle into every occasion. Remember, looking stylish this Raya isn’t just about the outfit only; it’s also about feeling good inside and out! 

When you eat well, stay hydrated, and stay active, you’ll naturally radiate confidence and look amazing in your festive outfits!