FOOD / HEALTH SPECIAL...... 7 Summer foods that help you lose flab

7 Summer foods that help you lose flab

Summer heat getting you down? One the coolest ways to beat the heat is to consume foods items that not just cool you down and keep you hydrated, but also help you lose weight. Nutrition professional Sunny Arora, clinical nutritionist Dr Nupur Krishnan and sports nutritionist Deepshikha Aggarwal share tips...

OPT FOR NARIYAL PAANI

Coconut water or nariyal paani is known to maintain the electrolyte levels to help your body rehydrate and maintain Ph balance. Since coconut water is alkaline, consuming it on an empty stomach will boost metabolism and aid weightloss.

How to have it: Have fresh coconut water — avoid prepackaged varieties. Experts say that it is better to consume this during the first half of the day.

CHOOSE ICED GREEN TEA

It is believed that having a mug of green tea thrice a day can accelerate fat loss. To beat the heat, you can consume it with ice. Green tea has catechins, a disease fighting antioxidant, that fights off stress and anxiety.

How to have it: Pour hot water over green tea bags and let it steep for three to five minutes under cover. After it cools, remove bags, stir in two cups chilled water and sweetener. Pour in tall glasses, over ice.

LET SALADS RULE

Salads are high in fiber, which naturally helps in fat loss.

Also, salads provide a cooling effect making it a great option in summer. They are a low calorie, high density meal, which fills you up.

How to have it: Add cucumber, iceberg lettuce, bell peppers etc to top the density of your salad. Avoid heavy dressings like mayonnaise, sauces or thousand island.

SAY YES TO NIMBU PAANI

The good old nimbu paani rehydrates our system and replenishes electrolytes naturally. It is also said to aid fat loss. Rich in Vitamin C, this antioxidant promotes immunity.

How to have it: Stir together chilled water, sweetener and fresh lemon juice over ice. This can be consumed as a mini, mid-morning meal.

HAVE A SERVING OF WATERMELON

All melons are a natural source of arginine, which leads to increased blood flow aiding in better performance during workouts. Watermelons are naturally rich in the amino acid citrulline.

How to have it: Cut up watermelon into slices and serve. You can also juice them and add some de-seeded chunks into the juice for a refreshing mid-day snack.

TAKE A KOKAM SHARBAT BREAK

Kokam is Garcinia Indica, a cousin of Garcinia Cambogia, which is a major contributor towards natural fat loss. It also provides a cooling effect to the body and is known to improve digestion. Kokam Sharbat helps to fight dehydration and sun strokes.

How to have it: Soak dried kokam in hot water until soft and puree it with cumin. In a tall glass, pour chilled water, kokum puree and sugar syrup to make a delicious drink.

DON’T MISS CHAAS

Homemade chaas or buttermilk is a natural probiotic drink, which keeps the intestines cool and bad-bacteria free and helps in better digestion and absorption of nutrients from food. It also contains jeera, which promotes increased metabolism, hence resulting in fat loss.

How to have it: Mix a cup of chilled yoghurt, chopped green chilli, curry leaves, black salt and chaat masala in a blender. Serve in a glass topped with chopped coriander.

— Debarati.Sen@timesgroup.com