Summer means sunshine, adventure, and renewal. It’s a time when we all spend more time outside, wear cute summer outfits, enjoy fresh seasonal foods, and feel lighter and more energetic. With warmer temperatures and longer days also comes the need to take care of our bodies and overall well-being. So, whether you are headed to the beach, spending a weekend getaway in nature, or just getting in some sunshine, it is so important to be deliberate and make choices that keep you feeling active, healthy, and glowing all summer long.
Depending on what you eat and drink, how you care for your skin, and how you remain active, there is no doubt the choices you make now will affect your energy levels, feelings and how you ‘show up’ this summer. Certainly, eating and staying hydrated, nutritious meals, regular exercise, sun safety, are all important components of feeling your very best this summer. This is also a natural time for you to simplify your routines, reconsider what makes you feel good from the inside out, and enjoy a more leisurely pace of life.
This article provides you with simple ways to prioritize and maintain your health this summer! These options are easy to introduce into your daily diet, and can reinforce your healthy choices!
1. Sabja
Basil seeds, also known as Sabja is well known for its body -cooling properties and has a soothing effect on the stomach, the seed can be consumed by mixing it with various drinks like milkshakes, lemonades, yoghurt, smoothies etc. The seeds are also a good choice for diabetes management as they are believed to have anti-diabetic properties.
Sabja seeds help in maintaining heart health and oral health with its anti-bacterial properties while also having anti-inflammatory properties, a must-have in your kitchen this summer!
2. Chaas
Chaas, also referred to as Buttermilk contains probiotics that promote a healthy gut and digestion. Known as a good source of calcium, providing about 28% of the recommended daily intake , Buttermilk is low in calories and is also a good source of protein and vitamin B12,
A natural coolant for the body, Chaas improves digestive health and promotes better hydration.
Chaas is also an excellent energy booster and is good for bones and teeth, the presence of lactic acid also makes it excellent for the skin while also helping control cholesterol levels and keeping blood pressure levels in check.
3. Cucumber
A crisp and hydrating addition to your summer diet, cucumbers are an excellent cooling and refreshing addition with numerous benefits such as being advantageous to your digestive system, regulates blood pressure with its high content and low calorie count being great in weight management.
Rich in anti-oxidants and vitamin-C, cucumbers help reduce inflammation and help keep the skin hydrated, a definite addition this summer!
4. Coconut Water
A natural source of minerals,including electrolyte minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium and sodium important for heart and skeletal health and muscle function. Coconut water has anti-oxidant properties with cooling effects on the body and also helps manage blood sugar levels.
Coconut water is believed to maintain good heart health while also being a great source of hydration after the scorching heat of the sun.
5. Yogurt
A natural body cooler, the pro-biotics present in yogurt help deal with body heat during summer while also boosting digestive health with its presence of good bacteria. Rich in Vitamin B12 and zinc and high water content, Yogurt helps in improving immunity, aids in weight management and helps prevent dehydration and heatstroke.
A delectable addition to your summer diet, Yogurt is an easy on-the-go treat to beat the heat.
6. Ice apple [Tadgola]
Ice Apple, also known as Tadgola, is a hydrating and nutrient rich fruit particularly high in Vitamin C. Its anti-oxidant properties help fight inflammation and improve cardiovascular health, they are also known to improve digestive health, boost immunity and improve skin health.
A low calorie and water rich fruit, it helps prevent dehydration and aids weight management while also providing energy boost with presence of natural sugars.
7. Mint
Mint is an exciting elevation to your summer salads and dishes, rich in electrolytes boosting hydration, the cooling properties provide instant relief and a soothing sensation from the heat. An extremely versatile ingredient, mint can be used in numerous dishes and delicacies.
Mint is a refreshing herb that is a must have in your summer diet.
8. Citrus Rich Fruits
Rich in vitamins like vitamin C and A, high in anti-oxidants with the powers to boost your immune system, Citrus Rich fruits are a much needed tangy addition to your diet this summer, Crucial for the season, these fruits help keep hydration levels in check with their high water content. Rich in enzymes and fibre, they also improve digestion preventing any form of discomfort. The present Vitamin C helps energy metabolism maintaining energy and vitality.
9. Watermelon
High in water content fulfilling hydration needs for the season, Rich in antioxidants, watermelon helps protect cells from damage, reducing inflammation, and supports heart health by maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and improving blood flow.
High in fibre, it also helps digestion and aids in weight management making one feel full. Watermelons are also believed to boost muscle recovery with presence of electrolytes like potassium and magnesium making it a must-have summer fruit for the season.
10. Sprouts
A low-calorie, fibre rich and packed with protein. Sprouts are a health bonanza with numerous benefits such as reducing cholesterol levels and boosting the immune system. Rich in vitamins such as A, B and C, sprouts enhance heart health, aid in weight management and improve skin health.
Sprouts are also believed to balance blood sugar levels due to its low glycemic index and presence of fibre and protein helping slow down glucose absorption. They also possess anti-inflammatory properties due to its high anti-oxidant content.
To summarize, making conscious healthy choices this summer can also set your diet for a more productive, energized season. Good health and wellness can definitely involve drinking water, eating fresh/seasonal foods, exercising outside, protecting your skin from sun exposure and rest. They are all little steps that help you on the way to being well (that is, good health) in which you positively affect your physical health, mood and clarity of mind. Have this summer refresh you while enjoying some healthy activity along the way to finding your balance in everyday life.
Great article!