Monsoon is a beautiful season and we can enjoy it immensely if we look after ourselves and watch what we eat. Here are some pointers on staying healthy when the rains pound the earth...

Were you a hit-and-rain case in the last monsoon season? If yes, this season, start gearing up to build your immune system so you are not a victim of deadly diseases like malaria, dengue, typhoid, cholera, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, influenza and many others.

Health problems are on the rise every year and can leave you unwell, weak and miserable in Nature’s most beautiful season. So, instead of being on the receiving end of these diseases, let’s set you up for a rock-solid defence system. Now is the time to prep your immunity so you can enjoy the season without getting sick. Avoiding a few foods during this season can help you steer off many health problems.

Foods to avoid:

* Raw leafy greens: Avoid eating raw leafy, green and some other vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, and spinach, especially in restaurants. They are home to many harmful germs. If you have to use them for their nutrient value, make sure they are thoroughly washed and cooked.

* Previously peeled or cut fruit: Never eat a previously cut or peeled fruit as flies are carriers of many diseases.

* Seafood: Monsoon is the breeding season for fish, so it is best to avoid eating seafood during the monsoons.

* Water from unknown sources: Carry your own bottle of filtered and boiled water. If you must drink water outdoors, make sure it’s a clean reliable source and the glasses are also washed well and dry.

Foods to keep allergies away:

Ginger tea is a healthy brew that can keep the sniffles at bay

* Ginger + turmeric warm tea: The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger and turmeric can keep your immunity strong and keep the sniffles at bay.

* Traditional Badaam ka Sheera: Enjoy traditional sheera made with pure desi ghee as it is easily digested than other heavy oils. One tablespoon a day is just right.

* Monsoon Fruits: Make sure you eat seasonal hydrating fruits which have ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and retinol to keep your immunity high. Eat freshly cut papaya, peaches, pears, plums and bananas to build up your stamina.

Workout at home

Along with food, workouts can also be restrictive. Commuting to the gym or reaching a park could be challenging because of flooding and traffic jams. So, a smart workout at home on the floor, or a quick run followed by some yoga asanas and stretches in your garden are smarter ways to get your workout in place.

A fun HIIT workout comprising of burpees, jumping jacks, on the spot jogging, mountain climber etc could be effective without getting stuck in traffic or floods. Make sure you use a firm slip-proof mat to workout on.

Enjoy the season

Nothing feels better than sitting by your window peacefully sipping a warm cuppa, listening to the pitter patter of the rain, and inhaling that fresh, earthy smell. But monsoons can be enjoyed to the fullest only if you are fit and healthy and your immunity is at its peak to protect you from dreadful diseases. Be healthy and wise this monsoon.

Here are some healthy recipes for the monsoon...

Are the monsoons whetting your appetite for fried and heavy meals? Make your meals nourishing, healthy and mouth-watering instead. Whether its friends unexpectedly dropping in, or your family demanding something yummy, these recipes are sure to keep them asking for more. So go ahead and feel free to indulge in these easy-to-whip- up monsoon delights. Don’t forget to pre-order your ingredients

Healthy fries infused with herbs and olive oil served with beetroot ketchup

Healthy fries can be made with sweet potatoes

Ingredients for Healthy fries: Serves: 2 people

1) 2 big potatoes

2) 2 sweet potatoes

3) 1 sprig fresh rosemary

4) fresh coriander

5) 2 tsp olive oil

6) salt and pepper

Ingredients list for Beetroot ketchup:

1) 2 cups cubed and cooked beetroot

2) 1 tomato

3) ¼ cup water

4) ¼ cup vinegar

5) 2 tbsp brown sugar or jaggery

6) 1 bay leaf

7) ½ red onion

8) pinch of salt and pepper

Cooking instructions for the fries:

1) Parboil the potatoes in a vessel, put a fork through them to make sure they don’t get overcooked.

2) Remove from water and slice carefully into the length of French fries.

3) Add chopped rosemary and coriander to the olive oil and gently brush on the potatoes.

4) Arrange on a pre-greased tray and bake in a pre-heated oven for 7-8 minutes at 200 degrees.

Cooking instructions for Beetroot ketchup:

1) Heat all ingredients over a medium flame in a saucepan until the liquid has thickened.

2) Let it cool for a couple of minutes, blend the mixture to a smooth ketchup-like consistency.

Enjoy your healthy homemade fries and beetroot ketchup without counting calories!

Vegetable Pad Thai

Ingredients Serves: 2 people

▪ ½ packet flat wide rice noodles

▪ 11/2 tbsp soya sauce

▪ ¼ fresh lime juice

▪ Red crushed chilli flakes

▪ 11/2 tbsp vegetable oil

▪ ½ tsp jaggery

▪ 1 carrot grated

▪ 1 bowl of grated cabbage

▪ 1 grated turnip

▪ 1 cup of bean sprouts

▪ 2 tsp roasted peanuts

▪ 1 clove of chopped garlic

▪ ½ cup of diced semi-firm tofu

▪ ½ cup broccoli

▪ Salt as per taste

Cooking instructions:

1) Boil noodles according to the instructions on the packet.

2) In a wide pan, put oil to simmer, add garlic and grated vegetables to semi-cook.

3) Add the soya sauce, jaggery, salt, and lime juice to the cooked vegetables in the pan.

4) Toss in the noodles and sprinkle the peanut powder, chilli flakes and firm tofu and toss gently.

Enjoy your home-made warm Pad-Thai with chopsticks and enjoy being clumsy and happy.

(This article is from Thrive Global Content)

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