Diet tips for Summers

• Load up on fluids , mostly just water

This one is obvious, but it can’t be repeated enough. In hot summer weather your body is prone to dryness as water is literally evaporating off of you. So even more than usual, keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

If plain water seems too boring, add a couple of slices of cucumber, a few berries, a squirt of lemon, or a few sprigs of lemon balm to keep you coming back for more.

A word of caution: Sweetened beverages, colas, fruit juices and energy drinks with their high sugar content dehydrate the body further and should not be used to stock up on fluids. Say no to all forms of packed drinks and stick to plain, clean water.Some other good options can be thin buttermilk, fresh lime (no sugar) and just green tea.

Vegetables: The Goodness of Summer

The Summers are here to stay… and as a large part of India reels under the wave of high temperatures, most of us find solace in air conditioners and cold processed foods. Summers make us more susceptible to eating sugar laden drinks and ice-cream that are not only low in nutrition but also add too many unnecessary calories. Also these high sugar drinks and desserts only add to dehydration instead of correcting the fluid and electrolyte balance.
A natural, healthy and smart way to cope with the summers would be to increase the intake of healthy fruits and vegetable with lots of clean water. Nature brings in all these vegetables in summers to improve our immune system and keep the system cool and clean. So those who are planning to make an effort to lose weight this summer or get fitter should add these veggies in their diet. In the process they can stock on micronutrients and hydrate their bodies. I have listed below a few humble vegetables that can be used extensively to combat the harsh summers.