Whether it is the temptation of enjoying yummy fried food or the dread of getting wet in the rain, the monsoon season can play havoc with one's motivation to keep up with fitness plans. Monsoon also bring several water-borne and food-borne diseases that could wreck your health and diet plans.
Nutritionist Kanika Malhotra suggests ways to keep diseases at bay, since monsoon brings in a host of water-borne diseases such as cold, flu, viral fever, indigestion, food poisoning and dangerous mosquito-borne issues.
- Stay hydrated: A hydrated body is able fight better against bacteria and virus attacks as the body replenishes the electrolytes lost through sweat, urine etc. Along with plain water, homemade lime water, buttermilk and clear soups help in hydrating the body. Moreover, it should be ensured that the water being consumed is clean and boiled.
- Avoid street food: During monsoon, chances of food being contaminated with bacteria increase and we are prone to illnesses. Therefore, it is advisable to eat home-cooked food and while stepping out, it is advised to carry homemade food or whole fruits, nuts and packed curd. Street food such as pakoda, bhel puri, cut fruits as well as juices from street vendors should be avoided. If you can't have home-cooked food, only go for food that is thoroughly cooked.
- Vegetables: Consume loads of green and colourful vegetables. Blanch them before consumption to disinfect them. Always, avoid keeping cut salad for long, but consume it immediately.
- Seafood: Avoid semi-cooked and raw fish/prawns since it is their breeding season. Make sure the fish is fresh before cooking.
- Antioxidants: Consumption of bitter herbs like neem and haldi (turmeric), which contain antioxidants and medicinal properties, prevents your body from getting infections. Garlic and mushrooms boost immunity and helps to stay healthy in monsoon.
- Vitamin C: Increase your vitamin C intake by consuming citrus fruits such as lemon; fruits and vegetables like guava, musambi, capsicum, green chilli, sweet lime etc., to help build resistance against infections and diseases.
- Probiotics: Curd and other probiotic drinks available should be included in your diet to make your gut strong.
