- By Bornika Das
- Thu, 24 Apr 2025 11:45 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Summer Foods: With the summer season comes longer days, high temperatures and endless cravings for cooling drinks and foods. As the summer sun intensifies, the body naturally cools down, maintaining the inside temperature through sweating, which can lead to low energy, reduced appetite and disturbed sleep. This is when the body demands a diet that will help it to fuel without weighing it down. Choosing the right foods in the summer months helps maintain energy levels, improves digestion and keeps you feeling light and refreshed. Hydrating foods, as well as nutrient-rich foods, are essential to keep you energised and hydrated throughout the summer months.
Moreover, there are certain foods that do more harm than good in the summer season. The inclusion of heavy, oily or excessively spicy meals in your summer diet can make you feel sluggish, dehydrated and even bloated. Thus, it is essential to know what foods to add and avoid in the summer plate. Here’s a list of foods that you can eat and need to avoid for maximum energy and hydration.
Foods To Eat In Summer
Watermelon
This is the perfect summer fruit that is made up of about 90 percent water. Watermelon helps to keep the body cool and hydrated. It is a good source of vitamin C, A and potassium and helps maintain electrolyte balance in the body that is lost through sweat.
Cucumber
Another hydrating and energising food of the summer is cucumber. Rich in water content and low in calories, this vegetable helps regulate the body temperature and flush out toxins. Cucumbers can be incorporated in salads, smoothies or as a side dish.
Coconut Water
This is a natural hydrating drink that is quintessential in hotter months. It is a natural thirst quencher and is rich in electrolytes, that is rich in potassium, sodium and magnesium. It helps replenish the fluids lost through sweat due to hot weather and helps the body to remain hydrated. It is also an excellent source of antioxidants.
Drink Coconut Water In Summer For Hydration And Energy (Image Credits: Canva)
Mint
Mint contains menthol, which has a cooling effect on the body. It also benefits digestion and reduces inflammation in the body, Mint can be added to water, made into smoothies and salads.
Yoghurt
This is a cooling food that contains probiotics, the beneficial bacteria. Consuming yoghurt helps in reducing body heat, inflammation, and gut-related issues. It can be consumed as a snack, in smoothies or as a dressing
Food To Avoid In Summer
Spicy And Fried Foods
Spicy and fried foods should be avoided during hot weather as they increase the body temperature and cause dehydration. Consuming these foods can lead to indigestion and heartburn.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it increases urine production and can lead to dehydration. Thus, it needs to be avoided during the summer season. It also increases the body temperature, leading to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Coffee
Coffee is also a diuretic that can dehydrate the body. Consuming coffee can also lead to increased body temperature and sweating.
Avoid Coffee In Summer As It Causes Dehydration (Image Credits: Canva)
Red Meat
This is heavy on the digestive system and increases the body temperature, thus, it needs to be avoided in the summer season. Besides, indulging in red meat can cause digestive issues and lethargy.
Sugary Drinks
Sugary drinks like soda, energy drinks and sports drinks should be avoided as they contain high amounts of sugar that can cause dehydration and spikes in the blood sugar levels. These drinks should be replaced with water, coconut water or lemon water.