What to do when it is too hot to workout?
If you see yourself losing the battle of bulge the deeper we get into summer season, here’s what you need to get back on track.
Bra strap rashes after gym sessions, pigging on ice cream to combat the oppressive heat or just downing copious amounts of sweet soda — yes, summer season can play havoc with your weight loss plans in many ways.
However, you can still get your summer body goals by including some smart hacks into your diet — and watching what you eat.
Don’t screw up your nose just yet.
'Dieting' does not always mean having smelly, boiled broccoli for lunch-dinner-breakfast. Celebrity dietician Nmami Agarwal, who has helped cricketers Gautam Gambhir, Michael Clarke and even Miss World Manushi Chhillar look their best, has a simple mantra, “There is a direct relationship between what you feed yourself with and the outcome that is derived by your body, both on the inside and outside.”
So, here are her foolproof ways to eat healthier and look better this season.
1.). Stay hydrated
While it is common knowledge to increase your water intake as summer rolls around, many of us fail to do so. Turns out not drinking enough water can also mess up your fitness schedule as you tend to overeat. Nmami says, “Many times we confuse feeling thirsty with hunger. So, make sure that you are well hydrated and include beverages such as buttermilk, smoothies, coconut and lemon water, so that you are hydrated and have all the nutrients too.”
However, she warns, “But don’t have fruit juices, freshly squeezed or packaged, because they have empty calories.”
2.). Get seasonal with fruits and vegetables
As your body responds to the change in season, you may end up skipping meals and then bingeing on something unhealthy later. Not only is this counter-productive, but you also tend to overeat and overestimate your hunger. Nmami suggests filling up your plates with summer season vegetables such as peas, cucumbers, bottle guard, bitter gourd, etc., and fruits such as melons, papaya and jamuns.
3.). Include probiotics in your diet
For many people, as the temperature rises, so do their digestive issues. “Probiotics are a must to keep your gut healthy,” says Nmami. Not only does this keep constipation and diarrhoea in check, but probiotics will also keep your skin clear of bouts of summer acne. So, indulge freely in yoghurt, buttermilk, cottage cheese, etc.
4.). Workouts are not a must! But physical activity is
If the thought of sweating it out in the gym fills you with dread, take it easy.
“It is not compulsory to work out all 7 days a week. If you manage to miss a gym session, go out for a late evening or early morning walk when the temperature is relatively cooler for 30-40 minutes or you can indulge in an activity that you enjoy, such as dance,” says Nmami.
5.). Portion control, please!
Losing weight the healthy way is all about eating the right way. Sure, seasonal fruits are good — but that does not mean overdoing it.
“There is no food that is unhealthy — your portion matters a lot. At the same time, you can also try out healthy swaps for your unhealthy food. So, instead of ice cream, just go for frozen or plain yoghurt with fresh fruits. You'll enjoy the change,” opines the expert.