Eat Light in summer

In a tropical country like India, summers could lead to a heat stroke if you don’t hydrate yourself properly, and those with jobs that require a lot of field work are particularly at risk. So while some city-based nutrition experts caution against these hazards, there are some who feel that this is the season to drop those extra kilos.

Often, people complain of loss of appetite, and don’t feel inclined to eat rich or heavy foods. The best thing is to use this as an opportunity to watch your diet and lose weight. But what one has to guard against the intake of extra calories in drinks. People use summer as an excuse to gulp down aerated drinks and sherbets. The sugar in them adds calories. Tea, green tea or herbal tea is beverages that are preferable to coffee, which flushes out water from your system.

The first recommendation is of course water, a zero-calorie drink. But you could also opt for tender coconut water or lime juice which has high sodium and potassium content that replenish your electrolytes.

The ideal recommendation is an Indian breakfast or cereal and fruits in the morning. Rice or vegetables with high water content are good options for lunch. The gourds — ridge-gourd or cucumbers — are great. For tea time you can opt for salads, soups or fresh fruits.

It is suggested that one should keep away from fried, fatty, pungent and spicy items as well as solid food. It’s better to have liquids and semi-solids. Fruit juices, especially ones prepared from citrus fruits like orange and mosambi should be diluted with water. Then people won’t suffer from acidity also, but don’t add sugar.