Summer is in full swing with the scorching sun being as ruthless as ever. While there’s nothing we can do to help the situation outside, there are quite a few tricks that can help us keep our bodies cool, the most important one being our diet. A natural diet full of raw veggies and fruits is the right way to go. One great thing about summer is that along with the sunshine comes a number of seasonal fruit that can be
added to your bowl of fruit. Summer cooler are also an ideal way to cool your thirst and keep your busy. Since kids will be home on summer
vacations, get them to help out in preparing drinks and desserts such as sorbets, smoothies, jellies, custards and puddings. Sheryl Afonso e De Souza, a noted dietician, says, “Any juices or shakes, like apple shake or banana shake, that help in re-hydration are good. Fruits like watermelon, lime, mangoes, apples, guavas, oranges and even karonda and jamuns should be included in the diet. Even cashews have high water content which is good for the body. Fruits should be cut and eaten. Cucumber also is very cooling and has high water content but it should be eaten without salt as salt tends to dry up the water.” Contrary to the belief that fruits can increase diabetic problems, Sheryl says, “It is a misconception that fruits increase diabetes. Two to three servings per day are normal, except for mangoes as their sugar content is high.” Light lassi and buttermilk are also cooling and even good for children. Children, in fact, should avoid drinking aerated drinks in excess and should rather have water- and milkbased drinks. Another quick fix for fruit juices suggested by Sheryl is that fruit can be pulped and filled in ice trays. When required, remove a few cubes in a glass, add water to it and make yourself an instant and healthy beverage.
Dr Eugene D’Souza of SMRC Hospital advises,
“Staying hydrated and increasing intake of raw fruits and
vegetables is the key to feeling fresh and cool in summer.
Watermelon contains 92 per cent water and in addition,
has skin protective lycopene. Other fruits like apples,
grapes, pears and pineapple should be eaten as fruit salad.
Yogurt, buttermilk, tender coconut and lime soda are other
refreshing options you can go for.”
He further adds, “I would advise people to eat whole
fruit instead of juices as they are devoid of fibre and contain
added sugar. One should also cut down on junk food and
oily food in the summer. A bowl of fresh fruit salad can be
enjoyed as an evening snack.”
While the heat may be intolerable, it gives you a perfect
excuse to indulge yourself with some delicious and, of
course, healthy foods.
