Beat the heat and use summer to your benefit

Everyone complains about the heat, sweat and lethargy that summer brings along. In fact, summer is actually good for you in several ways. Don’t believe it? Here’s how!

Come summer, and the first thing that happens is your appetite takes a beating. It’s a perfect time and opportunity to eat smaller and lighter meals. You feel thirstier and consume more fluids; both these changes boost your metabolism and help lose weight.

I personally think that summer is the best time for your skin. Natural oils are not stripped away like in winter, you perspire and your pores are cleansed, and you drink more water so your skin stays moisturised. Just remember to wear sunscreen and stay covered.

If you’re a little mindful, you can actually use summer to your advantage and improve your health and appearance. Here’s how:

Eat right through the day

Most of my clients come to me with the same problem – they don’t eat throughout the day and end up binging at dinnertime. So even if you’re not hungry eat very small portions of fruits or vegetable juices through the day.

Learn to say no

Avoid spicily and junk food because they increase body heat, add calories and use water from the body to digest, which is more dehydrating. If you opt for aerated drinks to cool down, remember that they are loaded with sugar and caffeine, which is diuretic and dehydrates you even more. Switch to buttermilk and coconut water instead; the latter has electrolytes to combat dehydration.

5 quick tips for the season

My top food for summers is watermelon because it’s yummy, hydrating and rich in Vitamin C. Carrots, cucumber and spinach come next for their water content, high nutritional value, and solubility. These also have less than 30 calories per serving, so you get the nutrition and avoid calories. I prefer consuming more curd during summer as it keeps you hydrated, has friendly bacteria that improves digestion and boosts immunity. It is also better to have whole fruits instead of juicing them. If you must have juices, opt for the vegetable variety.

Don’t ditch your workout

You feel lethargic during summer, but don’t miss your exercise session. Add glucose to your water so that your muscles don’t feel burnt out. Sip on water instead of guzzling it down. And consult your trainer or nutritionist about the right nutrition.

Don’t dread summertime; use it to your benefit instead! Research has shown that weight loss is more likely during the hot summer months.

Nahida S. Wankhade is Senior Nutritionist at HealthifyMe. Reach out to Nahida and other diet coaches via the HealthifyMe app, available for FREE on Android and iOS