Stay slim and cool
Contrary to popular practice, it�s better to avoid cold water, ice creams, mayonnaise-based salads, frozen desserts and cold beer or aerated drinks, say nutritionists in the City if you really want to stay slim and cool this summer.
Here are some pointers on what to stock up on and what to avoid when going grocery shopping and planning your menus.
“Stay fresh and hydrated by eating fruits and vegetables with high water content. They include leafy lettuce, corn, cucumber, watermelon and summer gourds. They contain enough water to help your body release heat. Spices like fresh ginger and black pepper sometimes help to cool one down through sweating but use fast cooking methods like steaming and stir frying not heat intensive ones like baking,” says nutritionist Bela Madan.
“Remember that food tends to spoil much faster in the heat.Therefore cutting, cooking or mixing with spices tends to make a dish ferment fast within the container. Cook small quantities and ensure that summer foods are eaten as freshly prepared as possible,” she adds. Summer is apparently a really great time to actually lose weight if you put a little thought and creativity into your menu, say dieticians. Unlike chilly winters, where one tends to eat more fatty food, summer diets can be fun, weight-losing affairs.So what should be cooking in a well-planned summer kitchen? Fruits and vegetables are in abundance everywhere and are low in calories but loaded with minerals and vitamins. From berries and melons to garden vegetables like pumpkins and zucchini, you can eat really well and not worry about portions. Make chilled soups from summer vegetables. Put in a lot of chunky tomatoes, carrots, herbs and cucumbers for a cold refreshing cucumber or tomato gazpacho (cold soup). As far as fruits go, watermelon is rich in minerals and different nutrients. Since it is 90 per cent water, it is a great re-hydrater. Finish off some outdoor activity with a big bowl of chilled watermelon and some protein for a good summer cool down. Salads make the perfect summer meal. Slice, dice and toss vegetables of your choice with low fat dressings like a squeeze of lime, salt, pepper and a little olive oil. Add sprouted grains and beans for texture and added nutrients. Beverage choices can go low calorie with fruit and vegetable smoothie that make a good meal substitute just by blending ice and fresh fruit.
Some other great drink ideas are floats — a blend of orange juice and frozen yogurt. Spritzers — a mix of sparkling lemon or lime juice with fresh fruit juice served over ice. While indulging your sweet tooth, opt for fruit-based desserts and avoid cakes and creamy concoction. Try grilled banana with diet ice cream, Pineapple with a little rum and a sprinkling of nuts or a combo of peaches, berries and honey.
