It is Eid time and you know what that means. It means an average weight gain of 3.24 Kg during the few days where we celebrate and take off work after the long and arduous month of Ramadan. So to help you combat the weight gain I have compiled the top five tips that will make you Eid experience a slightly healthier one.

1.       When kissing you relatives as you congratulate them, always go for the Lebanese three kiss on the cheek technique rather than the mostly adopted pan Arab two kiss technique. It is estimated that each kiss burns 2.8 calories. So if you can give more than three, go for it! Just don't appear to be  too weird...

2.       When hugging your little nephews and nieces always try to lift them up and down. Each squat-like movement is estimated to burn an extra 4.3 calories.

3.       When you are driving to your relatives to wish them a happy Eid drive at a high speed and brake fast at red lights and stop signs. This will increase your heart rate and can be considered a variation on interval training.

4.       When playing Tarneeb or Trix during the late hours of the night try to always slam your cards down with power. This is an excellent biceps/triceps exercise. Moreover, if you are winning get up from your chair and trash talk your opponents.  The more energy you put into it the more calories you burn and the more fun it is.

5.       When sitting with your friends and relatives, make sure you discuss the Middle East political situation. This will ensure you a complete workout moving every part of your body and once again increasing your heart rate. A two hour discussion will usually burn 78 calories.

Happy Eid!