PETALING JAYA: It’s a time of sharing and giving – especially when it comes to food!
From brunches to gala dinners, the festive merry-making is getting into full swing and with that, most of us have a battle on our hands – keeping down holiday weight gain.
With all the sweet treats on the table, health experts say the dangers of over-indulging in junk and sugary food should not be overlooked.
Holistic health expert Datuk Dr Rajen M. warned that excessive sugar consumption can have adverse effects on one’s health.
“Sugar is addictive. It can dull your senses and your awareness. Similar to alcohol, you can easily binge-eat sugary food,” he said.
He added that people can still enjoy the festive period but should limit their intake of sugary snacks and other unhealthy food.
“Practise moderation and return to your usual healthy eating habits once the partying is over. Also, stay active during the holidays,” he said.
Public health physician Prof Dr Sanjay Rampal of Universiti Malaya commended the government for implementing the sugar tax and anti-sugar campaigns.
“Our population is gaining weight from their unhealthy lifestyles,” he added.
With that in mind, many families have already prepared their “battle plans” this festive period.
Engineer Matthew Paul, 34, said healthy eating habits were being observed in his household.
“We will not dine out for Christmas. It will be home-cooking, which is a healthier option. Besides, there are 25 of us!” he said.
Paul said his mother, Lim Su Yin, bakes Christmas cookies and cakes using less sugar.
Lim, 60, said she doesn’t believe in excuses such as “it’s okay to eat unhealthy once in a while”.
“In my home, we watch our food intake very closely,” she said.
Kok Yi Wei, 24, said her family is getting more conscious with their food choices.
“We dine in every year during the holidays and festivals, cooking a variety of vegetables and protein meals. We also follow the food pyramid’s recommended ratios in our homemade dishes,” she said.
Nurul Emalyna Zalani, 24, a running enthusiast with medical conditions, said food choices during festive seasons can be tricky.
“When you visit someone’s home, you do not have control over what’s served. It depends on the hosts and their preferences.
“When it comes for snacks, I limit myself to just one or two pieces at each open house. I also make sure not to overeat, avoiding sugar crashes or spikes,” she said.
Nurul Emalyna said she is aware that eating out of courtesy can lead to overeating.
To keep off the bulge, she goes for brisk walks and exercises to break a sweat.
Norzeeta Akmah Abdullah,42, said with her children mostly staying home during the holidays, she will be opting for healthy breakfasts like sandwiches and salad options.
“For holidays, I choose sites where my children can participate in nature activities such as hiking and swimming,” she said.
