Fill up on these nutritional power houses to stay healthy in hot weather. Summer is the best time to switch on
to flip flops as well as the right time to take care of your family’s diet. It
is an amazing time of the year when fresh products abounds and so nutrients are
at peak.
Hydration is the key factor
to be taken care of in summer. As we lose a lot of water through sweating
we need to replenish it, especially children who would like to play outside in
sun during their vacations.
1. Water and Water based drinks: Dehydration is the most common problem in summer. One should drink at least 10-15 glasses of
water per day. Water helps to regain the lost electrolytes from the body.
Children who generally do not drink water should be given light beverages
like lemon water, fresh fruit juices, bel juice, coconut water and raw
mango panna daily.
2. Watermelon: As the name says, it’s a hydration hero. It is very high in water
content and so keeps you cool and hydrated. Children should be given a bowl of
watermelon daily.
3. Cucumber: Cucumber is high in moisture content and keeps the body cool and
hydrated. Include cucumber as a salad in your daily routine.
4. Yogurt: Yogurt is filled with loads of probiotics and protein power. Yoghurt provides lots of nutrients to your
children and will help to digest the food properly.
5. Strawberries: It keeps the body cool and healthy with lots of antioxidants.
Antioxidants are the vitamins and minerals needed for the body.
6. Coconut water: Coconut Water is the richest source of sodium and potassium. It is
helpful to bring back electrolytes in the body.
7. Garlic and Onion: These
foods contain polyphenols
and flavonoids which have antibacterial properties. These prevent stomach
infections which are very common in summer.
8. Dark green leafy vegetables: These are undoubtedly rich in all nutrients and
making them a part of the diet will help to keep everyone away from diseases.
9. Oranges/lime/sweet lime: These fruits not only have high moisture content but also are rich
in vitamin C which boosts the immunity of the body.
10. Tomatoes: Raw
tomatoes are rich in lycopene and various antioxidants which help to prevent various
diseases in summer.
Just a few more things to be kept in mind before
stepping out of house in hot weather.
· Never go out in an empty stomach.
· Carry a water bottle always.
· Avoid eating fried food.
· Have coconut water, lemon juice, and fresh fruit juices to regain electrolytes
· Try to eat or drink
every two hours.
· Avoid eating outside frequently.
· Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
· Tulsi /Basils
keeps the bodies cool so keep it in mouth before going in sun.
Here’s what Parul, Nutritionist at HSR – MLZS has
planned for our children.
As a Nutritionist, I feel for a healthy future it
is very important to lay a healthy foundation which can be done at Home and
School. According to me more than parents it is important to make students
aware about health, wellbeing and its relation to foods.
Keeping this in mind; we
would like to conduct many nutrition camps and workshops for our students. Here
in school we have planned the menu according to the nutritional requirements of
the children of different age groups. All the food groups are included and a
balanced plate is served. In School, we are playing our role for a strong and
nutritious future by making students understand the importance of health and
nutrition.
Parul – Nutrionist- MLZS-HSR Bangalore