Published By: Satavisha

Heatwave Meal Plan: Foods You Should Eat and Avoid When The Mercury Rises

Are you wondering what to eat when it is too hot? Keep reading to find out!

Heat Waves can cause health hazards like nausea, dehydration, rashes, and heat stroke. Therefore, it is essential to gear up to combat the sweltering summer with a healthy and hydrating diet. It is essential to stay hydrated when the mercury soars, and there are some foods that can keep you cool by lowering your body temperature. It is time to tweak your diet plan for the very hot hell-ish days, and we are here to help you explore what foods you should eat and avoid.

Say yes to fresh fruits!

The hot summer months offer a wide variety of hydrating fruits with high water content. So, fill your pantry with delicious fruits like cucumber, watermelon, muskmelon, lemon, and everyone’s favorite—mangoes.

Have chaas or buttermilk

Buttermilk, also known as chaas—a refreshing Indian drink made with creamy yogurt, water, rock salt, and mint leaves. This popular summer drink will instantly cool your body, keeping it hydrated.

Turn to salted drinks.

Salted drinks help restore body salts lost during extremely hot days. When the mercury rises, you should consume salted beverages like lassi, lemon water, fruit juices, and buttermilk. In case you are extremely dehydrated, consider having ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) for instant relief.

Keep away from carbonated drinks.

Beverages like coffee, tea, and soft drinks or soda are rich in sugar content, and they minimize the concentration of body fluids. As a result, you may suffer from dehydration, feel nauseous, and experience stomach cramps. It is best to keep away from these beverages when trying to combat heat waves.

Avoid protein-rich foods

It may seem a little surprising to you, but studies have revealed that our body takes longer to break down and digest protein-rich foods, and the process becomes more difficult during hot days. So, it is best to go for fresh veggies and plant-based foods instead. 

Say no to stale foods!

During summer months, the high temperature promotes faster growth of bacteria in foods, making them stale sooner than anticipated. So, check all the foods before eating and discard everything that has gone stale to prevent health issues.

Take a break from spicy foods.

Spicy and hot foods may induce sweat loss and raise your body temperature. As a result, you will feel hotter and more uncomfortable in a heatwave.

Follow this meal plan to beat the heat and stay healthy!