Beat the Heat: 10 Creative Ways to Stay Hydrated, Indian Style! Dive into exciting ways to quench your thirst uniquely
With the Indian summer showing its full power, keeping yourself hydrated is not just
good advice, it’s essential for health. We all know we "should" drink water, but sometimes plain water just doesn't cut it, right? Don't worry, we've got you covered.
Here are ten super interesting and creative ways to ensure you're getting enough fluids throughout the day, all with that lovely Indian twist!
Embrace the Nimbu Pani Power:
Forget boring old water; let's start with our desi favorite, Nimbu Pani! This isn't just lemonade; it's a refreshing experience.
Squeeze the juice of one or two lemons into a big glass of water, add a pinch of black salt (kala namak) for that unique flavour, and a spoonful of sugar or jaggery to sweeten it just right. You can even add a dash of roasted cumin seed powder (jeera powder) for extra zing.
Nimbu Pani is packed with Vitamin C, which is great for immunity, and it's super effective in quenching thirst. Carry a bottle of it with you, and sip on it throughout the day. It’s easy to prepare and beats those sugary drinks any day!
Coconut Water: Nature's Electrolyte Drink:
Coconut water is quite popularly called "nature’s sports drink" for a reason. Tender coconut water is naturally rich in electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and magnesium, which are lost through sweat, especially during the hot months. It's also low in calories and has a refreshing taste.
So, skip those artificial sports drinks and grab a fresh coconut instead. It's readily available everywhere, from street vendors to supermarkets. Pro tip: Drink it fresh for the most benefits! It's a super refreshing drink, readily available across the country and naturally replenishes the body.
Plus, you get to enjoy the delicious coconut malai (meat) after you finish the water!
The Magic of Buttermilk (Chaas):
Buttermilk, or Chaas as we lovingly call it, is a staple in many Indian households, especially during summer. It's incredibly refreshing and aids digestion. Here's a simple recipe: whisk together yogurt (dahi) with water until smooth.
Add a pinch of salt, roasted cumin powder, coriander leaves and some chopped ginger & green chillies. You can also add a small part of asafoetida (hinga) during summers to cut down the flatulence.
Chaas is not only hydrating but also provides probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health and aids digestion. Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the day. It’s a great way to keep cool and healthy. Its subtle soothing flavor beats regular water, every single time!
Infused Water: A Flavourful Twist:
If you find plain water boring, try infusing it with fruits, vegetables, and herbs. It adds a subtle but refreshing flavour and encourages you to drink more. Some popular combinations include cucumber and mint, lemon and ginger, watermelon and basil, or strawberry and lime.
Simply add the sliced fruits/vegetables and herbs to a pitcher of water and let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour to allow the flavours to infuse. You can refill the pitcher several times before the flavours fade.
Infused water is a healthy and visually appealing way to stay hydrated and will make you want to drink more water. It also gives you a boost of vitamins and antioxidants.
Water-Rich Fruits and Vegetables:
Besides drinking fluids, you can also get a good amount of water from the foods you eat. Load up on water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, muskmelon, oranges, strawberries, spinach, and lettuce.
These foods are not only hydrating but also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Watermelon is almost 92% water, while cucumber is about 96% water. Include a variety of these fruits and vegetables in your daily diet, whether in salads, smoothies, or as snacks.
This is an easy and delicious way to stay hydrated because it provides essential nutrients too.
Jal Jeera: The Tangy Thirst Quencher
Jal Jeera is a popular Indian beverage known for its tangy and refreshing taste. The ingredients include cumin, ginger, black pepper, mint, coriander, and dried mango powder (amchur) which are ground into a paste and mixed with water.
Jal Jeera also aids digestion and helps to relieve bloating, which can be common during summer. Its tangy flavor makes it a fun and flavorful way to stay hydrated. A regular cooler with benefits that you can enjoy anytime.
Herbal Teas: A Soothing Option
For those who enjoy a warm drink, herbal teas are a great way to stay hydrated. Opt for caffeine-free options like chamomile, peppermint, ginger, or hibiscus tea. These teas not only provide hydration but also offer various health benefits.
Chamomile tea can help you relax, peppermint tea can aid digestion, and ginger tea can alleviate nausea. You can enjoy them hot or iced, depending on your preference. Make sure to avoid adding too much sugar or honey to keep them healthy. Add a twist with some lemon for taste.
Lassi: Creamy and Cooling
Lassi is a traditional Indian yogurt-based drink that is both filling and hydrating. It’s a perfect way to cool down and replenish fluids.
There are various ways to make lassi, including sweet lassi (with sugar or honey), salted lassi (with salt and spices), and fruit lassi (with mango, banana, or strawberry). Whisk yogurt with water or milk until smooth, and add your desired flavourings.
Lassi is not only hydrating but also provides probiotics for gut health. It's a delicious and nutritious way to stay hydrated, especially during the hotter months.
Soups and Broths: A Savory Way to Hydrate
Soups that are low in spices and broth are a great way to stay hydrated, especially if you’re not feeling too thirsty, or if you feel like eating something warm. They are primarily water-based, so you can adjust the ingredients to use up seasonal vegetables too.
This is a great variation from the usual sweet foods and are packed with nutrients.
Set Reminders: Don’t Forget to Drink!
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to forget to drink enough water. Set reminders on your phone or use a hydration tracking app to remind you to drink water regularly throughout the day. Keep a water bottle within easy reach, whether you're at home, at work, or on the go.
Seeing it will serve as a visual reminder to take a sip. Make it a habit to drink a glass of water before each meal and before going to bed. It will help you towards your hydration goals.
Remember, staying hydrated is not just about drinking water when you're thirsty; it's about maintaining a consistent intake of fluids throughout the day. Experiment with these creative ways to find what works best for you and make hydration a fun and enjoyable part of your daily routine.
This way, you can conquer the heat and stay healthy all summer long!
