Eat light, healthy food in summer

SUMMER IS FINALLY HERE and with the change of seasons comes the promise that many people make each year--to take better care of themselves. Make the promise happen by simply changing your eating habits.

Let's face it, on a scorching summer day the last thing you need is a heavy meal on your stomach weighing you down and causing you to feel sluggish. Say goodbye to the bloating comfort foods of winter and hello to summer's lighter fare.

In summer, light food should be preferred which can be digested easily. So, oily and junk food like pizzas, burgers must be avoided.

While summer produce is at its peak plan a variety of healthy dishes full of fresh fruits, vegetables and salads. These meals not only taste good but they're also loaded with the nutrients that your body craves to stay strong and give you energy.

Be sure to pick fruits and vegetables that are fresh and blemish-free. At home wash or soak them thoroughly in cold water to remove dirty areas.

Stock up on quick eats like bananas, peaches, nectarines, celery and carrot sticks. They are healthy and satisfying snacks that can be eaten on the run as the perfect substitute to junk food.

Track your protein and carbohydrate intake - What you eat is the next thing that is important. You should get a good idea of what is a carb based food and what is a protein based food. Animal proteins like eggs and meat are not easy to digest and can pose a digestion problem during summer periods. However you can include pulses and fishes, yogurt and fruits in your diet to gain proteins. Nuts are good option for snacks time; but avoid eating fried ones. Roasted or plain would be a better option.

This may be initially harder than you expect but in the end this adjustment will pay great dividends in having a healthy diet for summer.

Drink plenty of water- To have fun during summers at the maximum level, include lots of water in your daily diet. We lose too much water in summers due to sweating so gulp good amount of plain water to replenish it. It will keep your body and skin well-hydrated, cool and healthy.

Some of the most beneficial food items during summer, according to doctors, are:

Watermelon: A thirst-quencher, watermelon is 92 percent water. Sweet with a mild flavor, this fruit ripens during the heat of summer. High in vitamin C, watermelon has large amounts of vitamins A and B6, thiamine, potassium and magnesium. Watermelon is served in slices, balls or cubes, and either alone, in salads or mixed with other fruits.

Fresh Salads: Serving fresh salads for meals rather than cooking helps keeps the house cool, a great idea for combating summer heat. Salads offer thousands of possible flavor combinations and can include fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains. As long as you avoid high-calorie dressings, salads can be nutritious and low in saturated fat, which can help you maintain a beach-ready figure. Most fruits and vegetables contain water the body needs in summer because of excessive sweating.

Mango: Unripe mangoes can be steamed, pealed and mixed with cumin seeds and salt to make an effective remedy for heat strokes and exhaustion in summers.

Gooseberry (Amla): A great refresher and reverses the ageing effects caused by strong sun rays while providing extra stamina for gym sessions. It specially benefits heart and hair.

Apricot: They can be of great help for people who develop acne in summers as they provide the body with iron, vitamin C, potassium and fibre. They can be a great pre- or post-workout snack.

Cardamom: A cup of cardamom tea can do wonders for those who have been in the hot sun for long because of its detoxifying properties.

Corn: A good source of pantothenic acid, which provides vitamin B to lower stress levels, corn in any form whether it is roasted or boiled is a healthy snack as it lowers cholesterol levels.

Butter milk: A glass everyday to avoid dehydration and indigestion.

Yoghurt: They are a great and healthy alternative to ice-cream as they are packed with nutrients, vitamins and calcium which help to soothe ulcers, allergies and heat boils during the season.