While staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water throughout the day is crucial during the summer, it’s also important to include hydrating foods in your diet that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants but low in calories, like watermelon, cucumber, berries, melons, tomatoes, leafy greens, zucchini, bell peppers, corn, and citrus fruits. A summer diet typically focuses on light, refreshing meals that help keep you hydrated and provide essential nutrients while being low in calories. Health experts recommend avoiding heavy and fatty meats and instead choosing lean protein sources, which are lighter and simpler to digest. Examples of these forms of protein are grilled chicken, fish, tofu, lentils, chickpeas, and Greek yogurt. Summertime salads and wraps are fantastic, so fill them up with colourful vegetables, lean protein and a light dressing or vinaigrette or experiment with different ingredients to keep them interesting and satisfying.
Doctor suggested to keep yourself adequately hydrated and covered while going out in the sun and recommended the following fruits to beat the summer heat:
- Watermelon
- Muskmelon
- Lemonade
- Mango
- Panna ( a drink made from raw mango)
- Grapes
Adding to the list, a clinical dietician and obesity consultant, advised –
- Savour Watermelon: This juicy summer staple hydrates and satisfies. Rich in vitamins A and C, watermelon cools the body while replenishing electrolytes. Slice it up for a refreshing snack or blend it into a revitalizing smoothie to conquer the heat in style.
- Embrace Yogurt: Your summer savior is a perfect blend of excellent and nutritious yogurt. It’s packed with probiotics for gut health and rich in protein, calcium, and vitamins. Opt for Greek yogurt with fruit or create a frozen yogurt treat to indulge in guilt-free.
- Crunch on Cucumbers: Crisp and hydrating, cucumbers are a summer diet must-have. Composed of 95% water, these green gems keep you refreshed while providing essential vitamins and minerals. Slice them up in salads or enjoy them with hummus for a healthy, cooling crunch.
- Indulge in Berries: Colorful and sweet, berries are summer’s natural candy. Bursting with antioxidants and fiber, these little gems help to fight inflammation and support digestion. Savor them fresh, toss them into salads, or blend them into smoothies for a flavorful health boost.
- Get Zesty with Citrus Fruits: Summer demands the vibrant tang of citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. These refreshing delights are loaded with vitamin C, essential for immunity and skin health. Enjoy them freshly squeezed, infused in water, or tossed into salads for a zesty twist.
Smoothies are a refreshing way to stay cool and incorporate nutrients by using a base of water, coconut water or almond milk and adding a variety of fruits, vegetables and a source of protein like Greek yogurt or protein powder. Enjoy grilling this barbecue season! Grilled veggies, lean meats, and fish are flavorful and require little additional fat. However, even when choosing healthy foods, it’s crucial to pay attention to portion sizes in order to maintain a healthy weight, so pay attention to your body’s signals of hunger and fullness.
Remember that each person has unique nutritional requirements and preferences. For specialized guidance catered to your unique needs, it’s usually a good idea to speak with a licensed dietitian or other healthcare professional.
Source:HT