Beat the Heat: Cooling Foods Inspired by SatvicMovement

Brace yourselves! The summer months are upon us, and this year, they’re expected to be hotter than usual. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts scorching temperatures across most of the country, with a potentially higher number of heatwaves on the horizon. Besides,  this heat is likely to leave you dehydrated and sapped of any energy, if you’re not careful. According to @satvicmovement, it is essential to replenish the body with right foods in every single meal. The urban lifestyle does not require us to eat as many grains as our ancestors needed but is better suited for more vegetables and fruits on our plate. Furthermore, since our bodies are composed of 55-70% water, it is crucial to have water-rich cooling foods that keep us hydrated, especially in summer!

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Read on to discover the best foods to beat the heat and keep you feeling refreshed and energized all summer long!

1. Watermelon 

This quintessential summer fruit is a superhero when it comes to hydration. A whopping 92% water content makes it a natural coolant, replenishing lost fluids and keeping you feeling invigorated. Moreover,  enjoy it chilled in slices or cubes, or whip up a refreshing watermelon juice with a hint of mint for an extra cooling kick.

2. Muskmelon

Don’t underestimate the power of muskmelon! This juicy fruit, similar to watermelon, boasts a high water content (around 90%) and essential vitamins like A and C. However, enjoy chilled wedges as a healthy snack, or add them to a fruit salad for a burst of flavor and hydration.

3. Curd/Dahi

This fermented milk product is more than just delicious; it’s a gut-friendly wonder. Packed with probiotics, curd aids digestion and helps regulate your internal temperature. Enjoy it plain with a sprinkle of black pepper or salt for a simple and refreshing treat. Feeling adventurous? Whip up a cooling raita by mixing curd with chopped vegetables like cucumber, mint, and a pinch of cumin for a taste explosion.

Moreover, you can also make some Lassi with curd. Whether you prefer it sweet or salty, plain or bursting with fruit flavors like mango or strawberry, there’s a lassi for every taste bud. Pro tip: Freeze leftover lassi in popsicle molds for a delightful and healthy homemade treat to beat the afternoon heat!

4. Coconut Water

Think of coconut water as nature’s sports drink. This refreshing beverage is packed with minerals and potassium, making it ideal for replenishing lost electrolytes after sweating it out in the summer heat. Enjoy it chilled for a natural energy boost and to keep dehydration at bay.

5. Cucumber

This refreshing veggie is more than just a salad staple. With a whopping 95% water content, cucumber is a fantastic thirst quencher and a natural coolant. Furthermore, munch on them raw with a sprinkle of chaat masala (a tangy spice blend) for a delightful snack, or throw them into a cooling salad with yogurt dressing for a light and refreshing meal.

6. Sattu

A staple in many Indian households, especially in the scorching summers, sattu is a powerhouse of protein and fiber. Made from roasted gram flour, it’s a complete source of vegetarian protein, keeping you feeling full for longer. So, mix it with water and a pinch of salt for a cool, refreshing drink that not only hydrates but also keeps you energized throughout the day. Barley water, also known as sattu sharbat in some regions of India, is a traditional and healthy drink perfect for the summer.

7. Mint/Pudina

Mint is more than just a flavor enhancer; it’s a natural coolant with digestive properties. However, chewing on a few fresh mint leaves after a meal can provide a refreshing burst of flavor and aid digestion, which can sometimes be sluggish in the hot weather. Furthermore, chopped mint leaves to your raita, lassi, or even salads for a cooling and flavorful touch.

8. Kokum Sharbat

This tangy beverage, made from the kokum fruit, is a traditional Ayurvedic drink perfect for beating the heat. Kokum is a natural coolant with antioxidant and Vitamin C properties, offering a refreshing and healthy way to combat the summer heat. Enjoy it chilled for a delightful and revitalizing experience.

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Drinking water isn’t enough! You need to Eat your water!