A Nutritionist's Guide To Eating Right And Staying Healthy During The Monsoon Season

Thanks to the global pandemic, our body and mind feel like they've hit rock bottom and adding to this gloominess are the monsoon greys. After the scorching heat of summer, drizzling and soothing rain always feels calming for the soul. However, this season also translates to ailments like food poisoning, sudden stomach aches and more. Monsoon tends to be that season where we definitely need to fix our eating schedules and patterns in order to combat diseases. We surely love our evening tea in the balcony with a plate of fritters or spicy snacks but according to experts, this is not what your body needs. You don't have to really sweat it because we have the perfect guide by nutritionists on eating right and staying healthy in monsoons. Read on to know all the same.

These Basic Rules Are The Key To A Healthy Body Balance

Rejuvenate, relax and eat right are the three magnificent words that define the practice of a healthy body and mind. While we all have an idea about being healthy, experts weigh in on the right way to have a healthy body balance. "Avoid giving unnecessary stress to the body by not learning to eat scientifically. Healthy body balance starts with a healthy balanced diet. Understand that the food we eat nourishes every cell in the body, so can you take a risk of not being mindful of what you are putting in your body?, " says Ryan Fernando, celebrity nutritionist and founder of QUA Nutrition.

Eating healthy and balanced is the key

Stress is a common reason for your body's imbalance as it can lead to endless other situations like not eating in the right proportion, skipping meals and more. Shweta Shah, chief nutritionist and co-founder of an AI based diet plan app - Fitza seconds the notion and says, "Drink a decoction post the lunch hour, take small walks in the morning outside to get sunlight, meditate for a few moments in the morning or before sleep. These are a few things to keep regular balance in check."

Is Detox An Ideal Choice For Monsoons?

Detox is like a reset button for the body and trust us, be it physical or mental, we all need a reset button right now. "Monsoon signifies a shift in the season which brings along with it issues like low immunity and poor digestive health. A healthy diet can help to flush out toxins from the body. However, you should contact your nutritionist beforehand, as detoxification may not be appropriate for persons with chronic diseases," says Ryan Fernando.

Best Way To Detox This Season

You don't have to give up all your food for detox, these simple expert-suggested methods are perfect to do so. "Saltwater flush, which is boiling the water with a spoon of Himalayan non iodised salt. Next take the diluted water, squeeze a lime and drink a big glass of it. In an hour, the whole intestines and colon will get cleansed and improvise one's gut health and result in a smooth digestive system," says Shweta Shah. She further adds, "Intermittent fasting is a miraculous process to detox our body. It influences the natural physical healing process within the body and boosts the metabolism rates which results in healthy weight, production of insulin and balancing of the blood sugar levels."

Salt water is a great way to detox

Foods Which Are A Big No-No In Monsoons

Monsoon has us craving those tangy and spicy street side foods. Our gorging session gets to a new level during this season. "We can never be sure of the quality of food we are getting outside so avoid it as much as you can. Also, avoid high water content fruits as water retention can be high in the body. All home-cooked meals are best during this time," says Ryan Fernando.

Avoid street food as much as you can

Eating Tips To Keep In Mind

Shweta Shah suggests some of her best tips that are a must to keep in mind during monsoon eating.

1. Avoid consuming green leafy vegetables and even if you are consuming, soak it for 15 to 20 mins in turmeric and salt water.

2. If you are having curd, consume it with sugar, salt, or amla powder, as the last three help break down curd into easily digestible forms.

3. Eat a light meal, considering your digestive system has already gone for a toss this monsoon season.

Why Should Healthy Binge-Eating Not Be Encouraged?

We all are quite familiar with the word and concept of binge-eating. Netflix and chill sessions are absolutely incomplete without this. While we love our packets of spicy snacks and yummy jellos, it may not be the best for you. But is even healthy binge-eating normal?

Nuts in the right proportion are a healthy substitute

"Binge eating is never healthy. We associate the word healthy to comfort ourselves and sell more products. Even healthy foods in wrong quantities will hurt. Smoothies, nuts and seeds and fruits in the right portions are a healthy alternative to binge eating," says Ryan Fernando. Just like our skin and hair, our body needs some extra care too and hence eating right is the best thing we can do to ensure the same. "Chew ginger and salt before your every meal. Avoid temptation. You're more likely to go overboard if junk food and desserts are at arm's reach. Plan your treats accordingly," suggests Shweta Shah.

Make Immunity-Building Foods A Part Of Your Lifestyle

Ever since the pandemic has created havoc, our priority has been building our immunity and it's best to include that habit in our day-to-day life. "Immunity is the result of practicing healthy eating over a period of time. Align your eating habits today to reap its benefits in the future years. Eat vitamin C-rich fruits like oranges or sweet limes for boosting immunity. Use turmeric in food preparations. Eat spinach and broccoli which fights infection," says Ryan Fernando. While Shweta Shah suggests, "Switch to herbal teas. Herbal teas such as tulsi and ginger tea are your best friends to boost immunity during monsoon."