7 Tips for Hosting Aidilfitri Open House

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It’s the time of the year again – Raya season is back! To help you stay in shape and deal with the glorious myriad of Raya food, here are some tips for hosting an open house:

  1. #sukusukuseparuh:

    meal quarter

    Encourage your guests to practise the #sukusukuseparuh concept. Not sure how a healthy plate looks like? Just use your hand as a practical guide:

    Carbohydrate – ¼ of plate or the size of your fist
    Protein – ¼ of plate or the size of your palm
    Fruits & vegetables – ½ of plate or an open handful

  2. Water:

    water

    Serve plain water to help guests stay hydrated by preparing a water station near the seating area.

  3. Sugar:

    sugar

    Set sugar cubes or sachets aside if you’re serving coffee or tea, and let your guests decide if they need any. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends sugar intake of <10% total energy intake per day, which is equivalent to 50 g or 10 teaspoons daily for adults.

  4. Vegetables:

    vegetables

    Include a variety of vegetables (in the form of cooked and raw ulam/salad) in the menu. According to the #sukusukuseparuh concept, the fruits and veggies should make up half the plate!

  5. Fruits:

    fruits

    Substitute canned fruits with fresh fruits as desserts or use them in your fruit punch. You may also add mint leaves or daun pudina for a refreshing sensation to your drinks!

  6. Nuts:

    snacks

    For snacks, serve roasted nuts or boiled peas instead of preserved snacks (jeruk) and candies. If you’re serving kuih raya, place them at a separate dessert table (preferably the farthest away from the seating area) to indirectly discourage them!

  7. Chicken:

    ayam

    Opt for healthier cooking methods like grilling or baking. Instead of ayam goreng, serve ayam bakar or daging panggang to your guests.

 

References:

Makan Secara Sihat di Hari Raya, Bahagian Pemakanan Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia, 2012

Perancangan dan Pemilihan Menu Sihat Rumah Terbuka Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Bahagian Pemakanan Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia, 2013

https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/1454/choosing-healthier-festive-foods-hari-raya-and-deepavali

Guideline: Sugars intake for adults & children, World Health Organisation, 2015