Delhi Heatwave: 5 Food Items You Should Avoid To Keep Your Body Cool This Summer

Delhi is currently reeling under a heatwave, and stepping out in the afternoons can be quite tiring. Yes, keeping ourselves hydrated helps, but what we eat also plays a big role in keeping our bodies cool. Some foods help keep us cool from within, while some can overheat our bodies and make us feel more sluggish. Making small changes in your diet can keep you feeling light and refreshed. Here are five foods you should absolutely avoid or eat less of during the ongoing heatwave.

5 Foods To Avoid During Heatwave 

1. Fried Foods

To stay cool during the ongoing heatwave in Delhi, you might have to say bye-bye to samosas, pakoras, deep-fried chicken snacks, etc. They are heavy and can be a little difficult to digest. Plus, fried food items can increase body heat, which can make you feel uncomfortable and sluggish throughout the day. Instead, opt for lighter options like curd-based meals or light snacks this summer.

2. Spicy Foods

Spicy foods are a big no-no during extreme heat. The masala in them can raise body temperature, which in turn can cause sweating and that feeling of discomfort. Spicy food can also make you dehydrated, especially if you are not drinking enough water. Masala-laden food is also a main cause behind acidity and digestive discomfort. To keep your tummy happy this summer, opt for mildly spiced meals and snacks.

3. Caffeinated Beverages

Chai and coffee. These are two beverages we can’t seem to function without, right? But they can dehydrate your body during heatwaves. Instead of cutting them out completely, reduce the number of cups of chai or coffee in a day. Instead, choose cooling drinks like chaas, coconut water, gond katira sherbet, nimbu paani and fresh fruit juices.

Also Read: No Chai, No Coffee: 5 Morning Drinks For All-Day Energy & Hydration This Summer

4. Sugary Desserts

It would be better if you take a break from sugary desserts during the ongoing heatwave in Delhi. They may offer a quick energy boost, but later they can cause fatigue and even dehydration. Sugary food items are heavy on the stomach and take time to digest, also causing a rise in internal body heat. Instead, you can satisfy your sweet tooth with fresh fruits high in water content like watermelon, oranges and muskmelon.

5. Heavy Gravies & Creamy Dishes

Yes, Delhiites, take a break from butter chicken, dal makhani and shahi paneer during the heat. These heavy and creamy dishes can leave you bloated and with that uncomfortable feeling in your tummy. Instead of heavy meals, opt for lighter dishes like dal, sabzi, sautéed chicken and vegetables, which are comparatively lighter on the stomach.

Also Read: CT Exclusive: 10 Summer Food & Travel Memories That Remind You Of Your Childhood

So, which of these food items do you think you can avoid during the Delhi heatwave?

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ PixelsEffect and César O’neill