Beware of rapid weight gain during the holiday!

Dietitian Emine Ayvaz pointed out that the increase in meat and dessert consumption during Eid al-Adha can lead to gastrointestinal problems as well as rapid weight gain in a short period.

Ayvaz explained what needs to be done to prevent rapid weight gain;
“Roasted meat (kavurma), which is indispensable for Eid al-Adha, should be cooked in its own fat over low heat without adding tail fat or butter. To reduce the toxic effect that intense meat consumption can cause in the body, fresh vegetables rich in vitamin C and antioxidants should be consumed. Due to chemical changes that occur shortly after sacrificial animals are slaughtered, a temporary state of rigor mortis occurs. Depending on the changes in enzymes, the meat softens and becomes suitable for consumption after waiting for 1-2 days. Cooking meat close to the fire both causes the formation of carcinogenic elements and leads to the loss of vitamins such as B1, B12, and folic acid. Therefore, if you have a barbecue plan, the meat should be cooked 14-15 cm away from the fire and only after the coals have turned into embers. It is very important that both the inside and the outside of the meat are well-cooked. If the meat is raw or undercooked, it reduces its quality and can lead to food poisoning. Excessive meat consumption should be avoided during the holiday. Consuming 3-4 portions (90-120 grams) of meat per meal is a sufficient amount. With the consumption of fatty meat, an increase in blood lipids and uric acid levels can occur. For this reason, the frequency and amount of red meat consumption should be reduced, and it should be cooked using methods such as boiling, baking, grilling, or sautéing with vegetables in a small amount of oil. During service, seasonal salads or purslane-parsley must be served alongside meat dishes. Meat should not be prepared in large pieces, but rather as minced meat or cubed meat. It should be divided into daily cooking portions, wrapped in freezer bags, and can be stored in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator or in a deep freezer (-18°) for up to 6 months. Meat taken out of the freezer should be consumed within 1-2 days after thawing, and meat that is not consumed should not be put back into the freezer. Desserts are another indispensable part of the holidays. Syrupy desserts are consumed more in our society, but it would be more appropriate to prefer fruit and milk-based desserts instead of these," she warned the public.

News Source: İHA