The Hari Raya Challenge

                  The goodies at our house

Phewh! It was actually really tough for me during the first 2 weeks of Hari Raya. It again brings to my awareness how a lot of our customs, celebrations and traditions involve so much food! 

I can't believe how this time, I had to say "NO" to beef rendang, ayam masak merah, the ketupat, the satay, the cheese, the brownies (which I made!), the tapak kuda, the kek lapis, the popiah udang... and the list goes on and on! I was really good the first day of Hari Raya. It was easier to manage because I was at my house and I could control what goes in my mouth. I had a tuna salad for lunch and unfortunately my dinner was very late because there were lots of guests whom I happily entertained.

And then the second day of Hari Raya that was when trouble started. Normally we go visiting to my Aunt's house, my cousins' houses and several other houses all having their respective open houses. And already at the my Aunt's house I suffered! She normally cooks really good food and I couldn't have any of it! Then at my cousin's house, they had this FAT curry puff which looked so good to eat! But later I found out that it was not as nice. So it goes to show, never judge a book by it's cover - does not apply to human beings and books only! As the day progressed... I actually broke down! Meaning to say, I gave in!

Wina tempting me...

 

But the biggest realization out of this whole experience was not to beat myself up because I had waivered for that day, and for some parts of the week and for some parts of the Hari Raya month. I could have easily just "let it all go" but I didn't. Instead, I knew what I should have not done and from there just move on. By the time the whole long weekend was over, I was back on my diet and felt good about the whole process.