Warning from an expert: 'Tail fat added to meat dishes for flavor...'

Stating that the first meal of the day during Eid al-Adha often begins with meat, but that freshly slaughtered meat is tough and difficult to cook, which can cause digestive problems, Nutrition and Diet Specialist Büşra Nur Enez Baş said that sacrificial meat should be rested for at least 24 hours.

Noting that it is better to choose high-protein products such as eggs and cheese instead of meat for breakfast during Eid al-Adha, Dietitian Enez Baş said, "During Eid al-Adha, the first and most important meal of the day, breakfast, usually begins with tables full of roasted meat (kavurma). However, since freshly slaughtered meat is tough and difficult to cook, it can cause digestive problems. It must be left to rest for at least 24 hours before consumption."

''EAT CHEESE AND GREENS FOR BREAKFAST, NOT ROASTED MEAT''

Recommending the consumption of protein sources like eggs and cheese, whole-grain bread, fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers instead of meat at breakfast, Dietitian Enez Baş said that one should be careful not to delay meal times due to holiday visits.

She advised choosing unsweetened tea, coffee, or only ayran (yogurt drink) if available from the treats offered during visits, and to consume at most one type of treat even if there is a lot of insistence.

Touching on the importance of limiting tea and coffee consumption, Dietitian Enez Baş said, "Try not to drink tea or coffee at every visit. Dishes containing meat should be preferred more for lunch, and dinner should consist of vegetable or legume dishes. Tail fat or suet added to meat dishes for flavor negatively affects cardiovascular health. For this reason, meat should be cooked in its own juices over low heat. We should be careful not to have the meat undercooked, and we should cook it thoroughly without burning it."

''STAY AWAY FROM FRYING; PREFER BOILING OR GRILLING''

Stating that choosing foods rich in Vitamin C alongside meat dishes will increase iron absorption, Dietitian Enez Baş said, "It would be appropriate to add salads with plenty of lemon, homemade orange or tangerine juice, or lemonade to meals. Also, the consumption of ayran or yogurt alongside meat dishes should not be preferred as it will reduce iron absorption."

Recommending boiling or grilling as cooking methods, Dietitian Enez Baş underlined that one should stay away from frying. Stating that offal consumption should also be kept to a minimum because it has a high cholesterol content, she added that more attention should be paid to water consumption during this period when air temperatures rise, and that 2-3 liters of water should be drunk per day.

Emphasizing that those with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and high blood pressure should be more careful during this process and continue their diets throughout the holiday, Dietitian Enez Baş said, "Opportunities should be created for at least walking and sports activities to balance the energy taken during the holiday. It should not be forgotten that physical activity helps reduce blood sugar and cholesterol, lose weight, and increase bowel movements. To increase physical activity, holiday visits should be made on foot, and walks of at least 30-45 minutes should be taken 2-3 days a week."