A break from the scorching summers, the monsoons are always welcomed with much rejoice and happiness. With the advent of the downpour, comes along the need to snack on pakoda, bhajiyas and everything fried, with a side of a hot steaming cup of tea or hot chocolate. Now, these are typical monsoon foods, but what about health?
As much as we would love to guilt-free binge on bhajiyas and samosas, the season is infamous for bringing along with, a string of viral infections, diseases, unhealthy food, and poor digestion. The immunity system takes a hit as it gets washed away in a pool of diseases.
As outdoor Working out and gymming takes a blow, one can always consider an alternative to Working out indoors and taking care of their diet to keep up with their fitness game.
Here’s a list of healthy monsoon foods, that shall help you tackle monsoon better:
Leafy greens
Apart from a thorough inspection of your greens, buy fresh leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, cabbage. The greens help provide as antioxidants and replenishing vitamins A, C, and E.
Soup
Right from dealing with cold, fever and flu to blocked nose and body pain and dehydration; there is nothing a bowl of hot soup can’t fix. Tomato soup, or mixed veggie soup with beetroot to chicken soup, all mixed with the secret spices and condiments of crushed ginger, a tablespoon of black pepper and garlic. We’re already drooling.
Herbal Tea
For all the chai addicts, the season has a soft spot in their hearts. The raindrops and a cup of hot tea sound like the most perfect company one can ask for. Luckily, ginger, Tulsi and basil tea, with a few drops of honey replacing sugar, is a tough fighter against cold and flu. Who knew, chai could get healthy too!
Dry Fruits
Nuts and dry fruits, keep your tummy full, your body warm and your immunity system ready to take on the monsoon. The holy trio of Dates Almonds and Walnuts keeps your body mineral and vitamin E rich.
Haldi (Turmeric) Milk
Monsoon wouldn’t be half as fun as they are if not for Haldi milk. Igniting the nostalgic sense of your childhood, when your mother pressured you into a bottoms-up of the glass of milk, she secretly helped boost your immunity and keep the throat infection-free. Hop on to your phone and text her thanks!
Sprouts
Nothing compares to a good bowl of sprouts mixed with veggies for monsoon breakfast. Sprouts help the body fight diseases and keep you fit and energetic. Add some spices and treat yourself to taste and fitness.
Yogurt
Not all bacteria are harmful, consider curd and yogurt! The probiotics in fermented food items help the body to be fit to fight infections. A cup of berries added to your fermented yogurt twists into a great dessert, perfect for a rainy day
Daily Basics
Found easily on the shelves of your kitchen are some spices that when included in your monsoon foods diet, add a lot more flavor to it and works wonders for your body to keep fit. To name a few, are turmeric (haldi), fenugreek (methi), mustard, cloves, cinnamon, asafoetida (hing), ginger, curry leaves, and garlic. That’s what we suggest you eat to satisfy your taste buds while keeping your body clean and fit!
Picture Courtesy: Getty