The Monsoon season is a season with many vibrant and delightful shades. The scenery is picturesque and romantic, and the earthy scent of rain on dry earth appeals to anyone close to nature. Children enjoy football in the rain, and one can stare into a horizon of rain for hours.
The landscapes burst with life and fluorescent shades of green, which is a sight to be cherished after the scorching summer.
The Monsoon season is of great importance because it brings relief and rejoice to most groups of people. For farmers, it’s great news because it regenerates the soil and nourishes their crops.
For the traveler, it’s undoubtedly the most romantic season with its dramatic landscapes.
For the home bound, it’s the perfect season to curl up in bed and read a good book. And for everyone else, rain offers the opportunity to just enjoy the scenery and experience a feeling of calmness and satisfaction.
We’re all familiar with the beauty and the thrills of the monsoon. However, it is a season that is enjoyed best responsibily. You don’t have to give sacrifice the charm and magic of the monsoon to give it a touch of health. Here, are a few pointers to enjoy the thrills of the monsoon with a touch of good health.
Here are 5 tips to a healthy yet enjoyable monsoon:
Avoid monsoon munchies!
For most of us on this side of the globe, Monsoon translates to steaming ‘chai’ and crispy ‘pakodas’.
While these monsoon munchies are mouth-watering, they are best avoided during the monsoon. Here’s why:
- We can never be too sure of where the water being used in the chai is coming from, so it’s best to avoid it during the monsoon to prevent catching a waterborne disease.
- The ‘Pakodas’ are laden with oil, something you should avoid in the monsoon season.
What You Can Do:
Make some chai at home! Add a few spices if you crave that trademark Masala Chai.
Olive oil is a healthier option for frying. In proper temperature conditions, without over-heating, it undergoes no substantial structural change and keeps its nutritional value better than other oils, not only because of the antioxidants but also due to its high levels of oleic acid.
Shallow fry your ‘pakodas’ in Olive Oil to give it a healthier touch.
Dance, but not in the rain.
Whether you’re a romantic or a nature lover, this one is a complete no-no. Your immunity is weaker during Monsoons making you susceptible to illness.Which is why you should stay clear from getting wet in the rain as much as possible!
What You Can Do:
Dance indoors for starters! If you really want to experience the magic of the monsoon, take a long drive to the secluded outskirts of your city.
Avoid dairy products outside of home!
Avoid eating dairy products like curd or cottage cheese when eating out. There is a high chance that dairy products get infected by germs during the Monsoons which hamper your digestive system.
What can you do:
Eat dairy products prepared at home. If you are eating out, opt for hummus instead. Its creamy texture resembles cottage cheese. It’s also a light meal and is rich in protein and fibre.
Keep your meat/seafood intake minimal!
Meat/Seafood can be a fishy affair in the Monsoon. As much as you may crave it, it’s best to not give in because meat/seafood is highly susceptible to infection during the monsoon.
What can you do:
Embrace this opportunity and experiment with veggies! Refer to our Foodies Guide to Eating Right Blog to learn how.
Not-so-guilt-free indulgence:
High humidity, even during monsoons leads to a dip in the metabolic rate giving rise to indigestion, acidity and other gastric problems. So avoid eating anything too heavy or rich.
What can you do:
A simple stir fried salad with a poached egg is rich in protein and easy to digest, making it a perfectly acceptable dinner which will keep your taste buds happy and your body healthy!
A simple stir fried salad with a poached egg is rich in protein and easy to digest, making it a perfectly acceptable dinner which will keep your taste buds happy and your body healthy!
