The need to prioritize your holistic well-being is of paramount importance given the soaring and record-shattering high temperatures this year. With the #HealthySummerWithActivLiving campaign, we urge you to adhere to a balanced diet, focus on your fitness, and be of sound mind to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Are you wondering how to plan your meals this summer? Don’t worry, Neha Ranglani, your Summer Nutrition Expert is here to guide you along the way. Neha Ranglani is an Indian integrative nutritionist, dietician, blogger, writer, speaker, and a plant-based nutrition coach.
What you Should Know:
Summer Nutrition
Summer is here and it can be a challenge to plan meals that are both cooling and packed full of nutrition. While it is important to stay hydrated, you also need to make sure that you are getting all the essential macro and micro-nutrients to keep you going during the hot sunny days. It’s time to get adventurous with your own homemade summer treats and plan some great meals. To make your summer more exciting, we bring you some super simple nutrition hacks to keep you feeling energetic and active all through the season. It’s time for Activ Living in Summer. Beat the heat with #ABHIKaro – Stay Active even if it’s summer.
4 Nutritious Summer Meals
Melon Smoothie:
It’s time to get started on work, but first you could use a refreshing drink to keep you cool. A muskmelon or watermelon smoothie is the perfect way to start your day. Just blend the fruit into a thick juice and top with fresh mint leaves. It won’t just keep you hydrated but will also give you a healthy dose of vitamin A. Only 100 calories but very nutritious.
Cucumber Salad:
Is the summer heat making you lose your appetite and get really sleepy in the afternoon? Adding this cool cucumber salad to your lunch will have your feeling refreshed and rejuvenated during the hottest hours of the day. Simply slice the cucumber, add some roasted peanuts, loads of fresh coriander leaves, and a drizzle of lemon juice. This vibrant accompaniment to your lunch has only 80 calories but is packed with vitamin C and fibre.
Chilled Chocolate Drink:
You’ve been working hard all day and now it’s time to chill out on the sofa with a delicious chocolate drink. Filled to the brim with antioxidants, you can make this chocolate shake with dark cocoa powder, organic jaggery and coconut milk. These 200 calories of good fats will provide you will all the nutrition you need for optimal brain and body health.
Tomato Soup:
When it’s time for dinner you can end your day with tomato soup as tomatoes are a good source of potassium, sodium, vitamins A, C and B6, and fibre. Boil 4 tomatoes in water till they are soft. Blend with a little of the cooking water. Sauté one onion in 1 teaspoon of olive oil, add the blended tomato, salt and pepper to taste and half a cup of skimmed milk. Simmer for 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve. Goodness in a bowl with just 66 calories.
Have Some Summer Fun
Don’t just try out these summer recipes but also take pictures of them and share with your friends. Do share your own refreshing summer recipes for some Activ Living in Summer to beat the heat and stay healthy. Let us know in the comments if you would like us to write on any Summer Health related topics.
For more great recipes visit the Nutrition section of the Activ Living Blog. While you are there, also check out the Health Tools and the Mindfulness sections which could help you lead a healthier lifestyle. Stay Active even if it’s Summer #ABHIKaro.