10 Refreshing Body Cooling Foods to Fuel Your Gym Workouts Gym Workouts
It goes without mentioning that the Indian summers drive us crazy. Summers in India have always been unbearably hot and humid due to the heat waves. Yet we’ve always been resourceful beings. If you’re a fitness freak and cannot let go of even a single day of your gym, beating the heat can feel like a Herculean task. However, consuming the right body cooling foods post your intense workouts, makes the summers seem less intimidating.
This blog takes you through the summer food items that you should intake to keep your body cool after crushing your summer workout goals.
Why Do You Need To Consume Stomach Cooling Foods?
- In humid conditions, sweat evaporation is less effective.
- This hinders the body's natural cooling mechanism.
- To compensate, the body produces more sweat to regulate temperature
- Strenuous workouts in hot and humid conditions exacerbate sweating.
- Increased sweating leads to significant fluid and electrolyte loss.
- This raises the risk of dehydration during intense exercise.
What Nutrients Does Your Body Need After A Summer Gym Session?
- Carbohydrates – To replenish energy
- Proteins – To help muscle repair & growth
- Sodium – To restore balance through sweat
- Fluids – To replenish lost water & electrolytes
Which Are The Top 10 Summer Foods To Stay Refreshed After Workouts?
The summer season brings with it numerous eatables that are backed by scientific research and yield proven benefits. These seasonal eatables which go by the name of ‘summer food’ come in a variety of forms. Here are the top 10 summer foods and drinks that you should consume to not let the heat take over your fitness spirit:
1. Fresh juices:
Kickstart your summer food items list with a refreshing glass of freshly made fruit juice, boasting a perfect blend of hydration and flavor. Fruits, comprising 50-80% water, are not only rich in fiber and antioxidants but also offer a diabetic-friendly choice due to their natural sugar.
2. Melons and Berries:
Among the top picks for body-cooling fruits during the summers are melons, renowned for their high water content of nearly 90% and abundance of antioxidants. Watermelons, in particular, excel in regulating blood pressure and supporting digestive health. On the other hand, berries emerge as nutritional powerhouses, earning the title of "superfoods," with a single cup of fresh blueberries boasting 84 calories, 21 grams of carbohydrates, and 8 grams of fiber.
3. Salads:
As the definition of 'salad' becomes more flexible, summer foods offer a playground for creative combinations. Among the standout ingredients, cucumbers and tomatoes take the spotlight, packed with hydrating properties, fiber, and antioxidants, all while maintaining a low calorie count.
4. Fennel Seeds:
Among the top 10 summer foods, soaking fennel seeds overnight and savoring the infused water in the morning stands out as a refreshing and healthful option. Not only does it offer a cooling effect on the body, but it also addresses multiple health concerns, including bad breath, blood purification, cancer prevention, improved digestion, normalized blood pressure, and relief from hot flashes in menopausal women, making it a versatile remedy for summer ailments.
5. Lemon Barley Water:
Incorporating cooling foods into your diet, such as lemon barley water, offers dual benefits by preventing constipation and regulating appetite. Unstrained barley water, rich in fiber, aids in digestive health and helps control hunger, consequently managing calorie intake and contributing to the body's cooling process.
6. Rice & Beans:
Summer foods in India offer a delightful array of flavors and traditions, with rice and beans emerging as a versatile and nourishing option. This underrated dish provides a satisfying balance of protein and carbohydrates, making it both economical and simple to prepare. Enjoy it cold for a refreshing twist, and for added nutritional benefits, explore the diverse range of beans available, each contributing its unique amino acid profile to elevate the dish.
7. Yogurt:
For April & May, yogurt stands out as one of the best foods for heat, providing essential hydration along with a valuable combo of carbs, protein, and electrolytes, making it a complete nutritional solution. To further combat the heat, consider adding fresh fruits for additional carbohydrates and nutrients, or incorporate salted nuts or seeds to boost sodium intake and replenish electrolytes.
8. Chocolate Milk:
With the ideal blend of protein and carbohydrates, chocolate milk—which contains more carbs than the plain stuff—is a great post-workout liquid option. It also offers hydration and electrolytes, like sodium and potassium. However, if you are in search of more protein, then your search should end at Scitron’s Advance Whey which is the tastiest and most certified protein of India.
9. Mint:
Mint leaves also known as ‘Pudina’ is considered to be one of the best cooling foods according to Ayurveda. This summer food is renowned for its ability to refresh and refresh, particularly during the intense heat of summer. Despite not typically being consumed solo, mint serves as a versatile addition to various dishes and beverages, offering a burst of cooling relief. From flavorful chutneys to refreshing drinks and smoothies, mint's nutritional profile, including folate, iron, manganese, fiber, and vitamin A, makes it a valuable addition your post-workout diet.
10. Leafy Veggies:
The importance of including green leafy vegetables cannot be stated enough. These vegetables, abundant in water content, not only aid in hydration but also contribute to bolstering immunity. However, it's crucial to avoid overcooking or boiling them excessively to retain their cooling properties and prevent water loss, making them an ideal choice for summer foods to keep the body cool.
In A Nut Shell!
Incorporating body cooling foods in summer months can be highly beneficial, especially when it comes to boosting your gym workouts. From hydrating fruits like watermelon and cucumber to nutrient-packed alternatives like yogurt and mint, these body cooling foods not only help regulate your body temperature but also provide essential nutrients to support your fitness goals. Whether you're looking to replenish electrolytes, boost energy levels, or simply stay cool during your workouts, adding these best foods for summer heat to your post-gym meals can make a world of difference. So, next time you hit the gym, remember to include these delicious and revitalizing summer foods to keep body cool for a refreshing workout experience..
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which foods reduce body heat?
Summer foods that can help reduce body heat include watermelon, cucumber, mint, coconut water, and yogurt.
2. What foods are high in cooling?
Green leafy veggies like spinach, mint, and citrus fruits like oranges and sweet lime can be considered as cold foods for body.
3. What should we eat in summer to keep body cool?
To keep your body cool in summer, consume hydrating body cooling fruits like watermelon and cucumber, along with refreshing beverages such as coconut water and herbal teas.