Eid festivities losing their simplicity

There are around 20 big chocolate factories, along with many smaller ones which produce around 26,350 tons annually. (SPA)

ABHA: The "Eidis" and expenses of Eid festivities of some families has turned into ostentatiousness and competition with each other.
The market for sweets in the Kingdom, with an annual turnover of SR500 million, is the largest in the entire Middle East. There are around 20 big chocolate factories, along with many smaller ones which produce, according to experts, around 26,350 tons annually.
At an annual chocolate exhibition held in Paris, the latest statistics revealed that the world consumes 95 tons of chocolate in one minute. This means that the annual consumption is 3 million tons, indicating that the obsession with chocolate is not only in the Kingdom where production of chocolate and cocoa products are increasing to attract consumers, particularly women.
Manal Al-Ali, a housewife, said: “The Eid basket has moved away from simplicity, like other affairs in life, which are now controlled by competition. They are vying with each other to present innovative ideas to cover dishes of sweets, chocolates and deserts, packing Eidis like bows as well as new forms of packing in the middle of the baskets.”
She said that giving importance to Eid and other Islamic celebrations was very important, but it should not cross its ambit. These celebrations are meant for gathering Muslims, relatives and friends to greet each other at the end of Ramadan. She said that such occasions should be without ostentatiousness.
Hasan Ali, a salesman at Markaz Bait Al-Halwiyat, said that all sweets centers get ready for Eid Al-Fitr, preparing more items including chocolates and sweets specifically for Eid. He said that the chocolate market has witnessed massive growth as there are now products for various tastes and aromas.
Ruwaida Idrees, a dietitian, warned about the impact of eating sweets during Eid as it increases fat levels, including cholesterol, in the body. This also causes obesity and dental problems.
There is an excessive intake of sweets and meat during this period which also causes problems in the intestines. Those who have diabetes, blood pressure and heart problems should avoid this. The eating pattern during Ramadan changes and suddenly the body faces another routine of food. This creates extra burden on the digestive system.
Idrees said that more salads based on fruits and leafy vegetables should be taken and gradually one should come back to the routine eating habits. It is always preferred to have light food early in the morning. After that, the volume of food should be kept less so that the digestive system gradually becomes active. This helps in the return to the pre-Ramadan eating routine easily and without any problem.