Memories of our childhood are always oh so special. Making a boat out of paper and then watching it float in the rain water is something surely all of us have done. This was the pleasure we used to derive when it rained! India is a country of many seasons. Monsoons are undeniably the favorite for many of us. Rains spell happiness for many, and also spell misery for others. There are two types of people in this world, those who become joyous and Energetic when it rains and the others who become gloomy and bored when the downpour begins.
Being a huge geographical entity, not all of India gets to witness the rains at once. Monsoons in some areas are more of an event rather than a weather phenomenon. Cities like Mumbai develop a distinct atmosphere and feel once the rains kick in. Amid the chaos and the rush, the city takes over a completely new identity during the monsoons. Monsoons over the last many years have been really troublesome for Mumbaikars, but this year has been comparatively less chaotic and more relaxed owing to maximum of the population staying back at home due to the COVID19 pandemic. Whereas till last year people were seen caught in their offices, cars stranded in water and what not, this year the same people have been sipping their cup of tea, munching on snacks while gazing at the rainfall from their balconies and window sills. Leaving aside the issues that ensue, Mumbai has been really special during the Monsoons. Be it sipping coffee and enjoying Hot Bhutta at Bandra, or sipping hot Cutting Chai at the innumerable Tapris in every nook and corner of the city, the local crowd surely sees a refreshed version of their Aamchi Mumbai every year during this season. Mumbai presents so any opportunities to enjoy during the monsoon that even words fall short of describing the experience. The memorable experience of getting lashed a little by the waves at Marine Drive to the Romantic Experience of driving with your loved ones to a rain drenched Lonavla…ah the joys of monsoons in Mumbai…!!! A drive through Aarey Colony during Rainfall is all it takes to fall in love with the greenery of the city all over again! The smell of hot piping tea with the vada pavs is enough to make anyone turn their attention to the nooks and streets that are soaked with the aroma of these along with the pitter patter of the rain above. This brings our attention to another important thing that usually goes unnoticed during this season, and that is our health. The health takes a huge beating if we remain careless during this season. Food Poisoning, Cholera, Dysentery and Diarrhea are just some of the severe risks that our body faces during the monsoons. Remember, play with the rains, not with your health. Here in this article we will guide you about eating healthy in these monsoons and will highlight what to eat and what not to so that these monsoons can be enjoyable and safe for you and your loved ones as well
What to Eat during Monsoons? Healthy eating during the rains is what is essential. We are listing out a whole list of items and foods that you should definitely eat to remain trouble free and to ensure your immune system remains in prime condition. Involve dry foods such as Overnight Oats, Raagi,Jwar, Jau in your daily Diets. Add chickpeas and corn to your diets. There is already a lot of moisture in the air and such food help maintain a balance and prevent over hydration of the body. Remember, bacteria and viruses always multiply in moist places so maintaining a balance is always essential. Include Bitter gourd (Karela), Turmeric (Haldi), Bottle Gourd (Ghiya), Basil (Neem) in your diets. These might be bitter and not that pleasant to taste, but have incomparable health benefits. Drink as much warm beverages as you can. Add ginger to tea and feel the benefits for yourself! Another important point is that try and eat as little oily as you can. Oily food increases cholesterol (excess of which is already harmful) and it will be dangerous for you.
Eat fruits such as Apples, Anaar but avoid water retentive fruits like Watermelon. Eat fruits that are rich in Vitamin c as they are a must for keeping your immunity boosted up. Add a bit of Ginger to a cup of water, add lemon and honey and see it do wonders for your immune system. Another home remedy is to add turmeric to milk and a bit of honey. Black Pepper is a natural antidote for common cold and cough, so add it you your diets. Also, increase intake of almonds and Anaar in your diet as these not only shield you against diseases but also improve your metabolism. Drink as much herbal teas as you can as the herbs in them have therapeutic properties. Drink Saunf water, Ajwain DalCheeni Water as well.
Special Mention: A special shoutout to one of our favorite fruits and we are pretty sure yours’ too; Jamun. Jamun is a special health warrior that not only helps with immunity but also with a lot of other ailments as well. Jamuns are rich in vitamin, potassium, iron and folate. It increases Hemoglobin levels, keeps our heart healthy, prevents diabetes and also prevents and fights against infections. But don’t worry, You don’t have to just eat Jamuns, as we will be sharing with you a very special recipe at the end to make sure you enjoy eating them!!
What Not to Eat during Monsoons?
Some of the things that we have mentioned here might be your favorites and some must surely be your cravings during the monsoons, but avoiding these will surely add some years to your lifespan and will also gift you good health! So, let’s go.
Avoid eating street food and junk Food. Street food during rain (and even otherwise) is a breeding ground for many kinds of bacteria which could be really harmful for you, so junk/street food is best avoided. Avoid water retentive foods such as sour foods like chutneys and tamarind(imli). Eating cut fruit from road side vendors is a big No unless you wish to fall sick. Cut down on consumption of meat and fish, if possible, quit it till the monsoons last. As surprising it might be coming from a Dietitian, avoid green leafy vegetables since they are moisture rich and promote bacterial growth. Avoid sprouts and Rajmah. It is understandable the urge and cravings for samosa and pakodas and other fried foods when it rains, but for that, avoid using Mustard Oil. Instead use Bran Oil, Olive Oil or Desi Ghee. Avoid coffee and cold drinks to avoid infections. If you do end up avoiding these items, be rest assured, you have a 90% less chance of falling sick as compared to people who consume these during the rainy season.
Dietitian Shreya Recommends: Ginger Water/Turmeric Ginger Tea (recipe on our YouTube channel)
Tip: Soak your vegetables in Apple Cider Vinegar without peeling them before using them.
Now it’s time to share with you the special Jamun recipe as promised above:
Delicious Jamun Recipe:
Take Jamun and wash it properly.
Make sure that you deseed it carefully so that the bitterness of the seeds can be avoided.
Add curd and blend it.
Add stevia (if required). (Do not add artificial sugar or else the health benefits shall be lessened).
Enjoy a healthy Jamun Smoothie and keep your immunity pumped up!!
Wishing the best of health for you and your loved ones,
Happy Monsoons!!
Dietitian Shreya’s Family Diet Clinic
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