Diet & Fitness Reminders for the Monsoons

Ayurvedic diets too were devised keeping in mind seasonal, regional and occupational factors in mind. This approach being very scientific in nature, helped individuals perform at their mental and physical

best.

From the health and well-being perspective, it is important that we stay in tune with nature so that our physical and mental acuity is high, and our immunity functioning at its best. Here are some precautions to keep in mind during monsoons.

Diet:

• Stick to seasonal fruits and vegetables; shop for these from your local vendor instead of hitting the supermarket. For instance, eat mangoes only till the season lasts, not till the end of rains.

• During the monsoons, stick to soups and stir fried or cooked steamed veggies instead of raw salads.

• Ditch leafy greens altogether or wash in potassium permanganate before cooking.

• To avoid stomach ailments and other water-borne diseases, avoid eating street food.

• You must carry water from home when you head out or insist on packaged drinking water.

• To keep immunity high, eat fruits and veggies high in vitamin c, beta carotene and iron (carrots, beets, lime, amla, dates).

• Add ginger and garlic to your cooking to keep sniffles at bay and stomach ailments down.

Exercise:

• It is not advisable to swim during the monsoons, unless you have a private pool and have been doing it since long to avoid water-borne infections.

• Head to the gym for safe indoor workouts during this season.

• Once the heat goes down, our thirst signals go down too. But you must consciously attempt to keep hydration levels optimum by drinking enough water.

• If you insist on heading out for a walk or run, make sure you wear footwear that not only prevents skidding and slipping, but also from water seeping in.