Tunis: Nutrition specialist Marwa Talbi pointed out the importance of a balanced diet and warned against the bad eating habits that mark the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. These bad habits damage health and deprive the body of the benefits of the fasting period throughout the month of Ramadan, she told TAP. Excessive consumption of sweets, fats and high-salt food during the Eid period, she added, can reverse the benefits of fasting, which cleanses the body thoroughly, purifying it by eliminating toxins and strengthening its immune system. To ensure that these benefits are preserved throughout the month of fasting, you need to follow a healthy diet that includes eating sweets in moderation, drinking plenty of water and eating fibre-rich food. The nutrition specialist recommended drinking a glass of lukewarm water with a few drops of vinegar or lemon before breakfast to reduce the absorption of sugar, as well as eating protein (yoghurt, eggs or cheese) to help reduce the absorption of sugar. She also recommends avoiding fried cakes and cakes dipped in sugar syrup because of their high calorie content and their effect on raising blood sugar levels. It is therefore important, she insisted, to avoid fast food, eat healthily and eat fibre-rich food such as salads and cereals. It's also important to reduce the amount of bread you eat, to eat a light evening meal, such as a salad and protein, and to drink enough water throughout the day. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse