By Prerna Mistry
The season of sunshine is here! But, so is the sweat, the heat and the possible bouts of dehydration. Besides looking fabulous and having great skin, it is extremely vital to keep yourself healthy from within. Food is therapy, which not only satisfies our hunger pangs, but also heals us from within. They say you are what you eat and this rings true when your food choices are what affect you both physically as well as mentally. To be healthy, select your food choices based on the season and your body type. Since it is summer, opt for foods that are cooler in nature, here are a few food options that will help you beat the heat this summer.
- Cool As A Cucumber
Cucumber is low in calories which is packed with antioxidants and can even reduce your risk of hypertension as well as help reducing belly fat as well. You could consume this cool ingredient as is or enjoy it with a dip. Besides, you could also enjoy it with curd.
- Go Bananas
Bananas contain a lot of potassium and helps replenish the fluid that is lost from the body after sweating. Also, bananas are cool in nature and can be enjoyed with some honey. You could also make a banana thick shake and serve it with some delicious vanilla ice cream to give yourself that perfect summer treat!
- One In A Melon
Made up of more than 90% water, watermelons are a great way to stay cool and hydrated, even on the hottest summer days. What’s more, is that they are lower in cholesterol, decrease the amount of plaque in arteries and help you lose more weight! You can consume this sweet treat as is or with a variety of other fruits such as muskmelons, kiwis and oranges. A cool watermelon juice concoction is also a great way to chill this summer as well.
- In Love With The Coco
Coconut water has cooling properties and contains mono-saccharine, carbohydrates and essential minerals that keep the body hydrated. Add mint leaves to your coconut water with ice cubes for a simple, cool and refreshing summer drink.
- When Life Gives You Lemons..
…make lemonade! Or add some soda and mint leaves to it to make a refreshing virgin mojito to rejuvenate yourself this summer.
- Do or Dahi
Customise this protein packed ingredient or eat it as it is as curd or yogurt, cools the body to quite an extent. You can even opt for flavoured yogurts or add in fruits and honey to your regular bowl of curd. You could also add in boiled potatoes with chaat masala and make a savoury dahi aloo chaat dish. Besides, you could also make buttermilk or lassi out of curd to make a wholesome yet refreshing drink.
- No Tea No Shade
Teas are not just limited to warm, hot beverages, but can also be turned into refreshing, iced drinks as well. Add black tea or green tea bags in ice cold water with some lemon, mint and honey for a super tasty cool drink!
- Water You Saying?
Don’t forget to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated during the warmer days. Add sliced lemons or oranges in your water to give it a hint of flavour to the same.
