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wpengine / Alicia Bruce [Creative Commons]
Hot summer days and the joyful occasion of Eid e Qurban are fast approaching, bringing families and parties together. For seniors, it is essential to navigate the hot weather while ensuring that their health remains a top priority. Here are some appetizing yet mindful tips to help our beloved elders savor the flavors of Eid while staying cool and nourished.
1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially on hot summer days. Dehydration can lead to various health issues, so be sure to stay hydrated.
2. Choose light and nutritious meals: During Eid e Qurban, opt for light and healthy meals. Include fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains in your diet. Avoid heavy, greasy and fried foods which can be harder to digest in hot weather.
3. Practice portion control: While enjoying holiday meals, pay attention to portion sizes. Overeating can lead to discomfort and digestive problems. Listen to your body’s satiety signals and eat in moderation.
4. Incorporate cooling foods: Include cooling foods in your diet to beat the summer heat. Watermelon, cucumber, mint, curd, and coconut water are great options to keep your body cool and refreshed.
5. Limit sugary drinks and desserts: Sweet drinks and desserts can be plentiful during Eid e Qurban, but excessive consumption can have negative effects on your health. Limit your intake of sugary drinks and opt for healthier alternatives like infused water or fresh fruit juices.
6. Avoid excessive spices: Spicy foods can cause digestive discomfort, especially in hot weather. Consider reducing the amount of spices in your meals or opting for milder alternatives to avoid any digestive issues.
7. Practice safe food handling: Make sure that meat and other foods are properly cooked and preserved to prevent foodborne illnesses. Follow proper food safety guidelines and maintain good hygiene when preparing and handling food.
8. Be mindful of salt intake: Excessive salt intake can lead to water retention and high blood pressure. Pay attention to the amount of salt used in cooking and avoid adding extra salt to your meals. Instead, use herbs and spices for flavor.
9. Take breaks and rest: Do not overwork yourself during Eid e Qurban preparations. Take breaks, rest if necessary, and listen to your body’s signals. Take your time and prioritize your well-being.
10. Stay active: Engage in light physical activity, such as a walk or light exercise, to stay active during the holiday season. Physical activity helps improve digestion, improves mood and promotes overall well-being.
11. Stay indoors during rush hour: Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, usually late morning to early afternoon. If you must go out, try to do it early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperature is cooler.
12. Use sunscreen: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by applying a high SPF sunscreen before going outside. This helps prevent sunburn and reduces the risk of skin cancer.
13. Seek the shadow: When spending time outdoors, look for shaded areas to avoid direct sunlight. Use umbrellas, hats, or wide-brimmed hats to create additional shade if needed.
Maintaining a balanced and healthy approach to eating during Eid e Qurban will contribute to your overall health and enjoyment of the festivities.
Remember that if you experience symptoms such as dizziness, racing heartbeat, confusion, or nausea, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, as these may indicate heat-related illness. Stay cool and take care of yourself during the hot summer Eid e Qurban!
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this article are the personal opinions of the author.
The facts, analyses, assumptions and perspectives appearing in the article do not reflect the views of GK