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Eat to beat the heat

What's the ideal summer diet? Read on

EAT RIGHT Stay cool with fruits and juices

The heat is on... quite literally. But tackling the season may not be as difficult as it seems. Eating right can go a long way in helping you stay fresh and can prevent heat induced lethargy and dehydration. High temperatures can cause dehydration, which in turn leads to heat stroke, nausea and giddiness.

Loss of appetite and lack of energy are the other symptoms that show the heat is getting to you. Here is a ready reckoner to help you stay, `as cool as a cucumber!'

In most cases, people don't realise they are beginning to get dehydrated till they feel excessively thirsty. This is a big mistake. Don't wait for the symptoms to surface. Instead, have at least four glasses of water an hour. Carbonated drinks and caffeine rich drinks like colas and coffee are diuretics, meaning they prevent water retention in the body. Definitely stay away from these too. They may quench your thirst momentarily but will eventually be responsible in making you more dehydrated.

Choose from fresh fruit juices, limewater with salt and sugar and panna. Panna, a refreshing sweet and salty raw mango drink, is an excellent source of minerals.

Salads and fruit

Fresh fruit and vegetable salads are light on the stomach and a good source of fibre and nutrients.

To make your salad a complete meal, toss in some boiled pasta and add fresh (well scrubbed) crunchy vegetables or par boiled ones. If you want something more filling, try cold soups.

Cold soups like Vichyssoise soup (a cold potato soup) or even those made from mint, cucumber, tomatoes and leeks are popular across Europe and are great to cool your system. Include these light soups in your summer menu and you won't be disappointed.

Remember to keep the spices and garam masala away.

Water rich fruits and vegetables are abundant in this season and this is what you should indulge in.

Melons and gourds have high water and mineral content. Complex foods and carbohydrate rich foods are heavier.

Make sure you eat these in moderation.

Take a minute to chart out your food habits for the summer.

Learn to identify local and seasonal produce.

The key to what you should eat in any season is very simple.

Seasonal produce and locally available fruits and vegetables are always fresh and undoubtedly the best bet.