Health professionals are urging the public to practice moderation in meat consumption during Eid-ul-Azha to avoid a spike in preventable health issues.
Excessive intake of meat, particularly when combined with spicy foods or improper storage, can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses such as diarrhea, indigestion, cholera, and other stomach-related infections. These conditions frequently result in increased patient load at hospitals during the festive period.
Doctors highlight that improper meat storage is a major contributor to foodborne illnesses. They recommend using airtight containers or polyethylene bags rather than conventional plastic bags to minimize contamination risks. While enjoying the traditional meals of Eid, maintaining a balanced and controlled diet is key to preserving one’s health.
To derive maximum nutritional benefit from Eid meat, experts advise consuming it in moderate portions during lunch and dinner, ideally paired with fresh salads. Cooking methods such as baking and stewing are preferred over frying.
A healthy portion of red meat is approximately six tablespoons of roasted meat. Consuming red meat in controlled amounts ensures adequate intake of essential nutrients such as iron, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus.
For those who enjoy carbohydrate-rich foods like pastries or stuffed grape leaves, these should be limited to small servings and consumed as an occasional afternoon snack, with strict attention to portion size.
Guidelines During Eid
During family visits and celebrations, it is advisable to consume festive treats slowly and in moderation. To counterbalance increased caloric intake, doctors recommend daily physical activity such as 30–45-minute walks or reaching a target of 10,000 steps.
Instead of sugary beverages, healthier alternatives include water, mineral water, buttermilk, and yogurt. Maintaining adequate hydration—around 2 to 2.5 liters of water per day—is essential.
Individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or hypertension, as well as those following prescribed dietary treatments, are advised to remain consistent with their dietary plans and not deviate from medical guidance during the holiday.
