Cool your tummy with summer-smart veg foods!
The Summer Struggle is Real
Summer in India feel like a sauna—scorching sun, sticky humidity, accompanied by heavy and uncomfortable bloating that just don't go away. The summer struggle is real!
But here’s the good news: you can beat bloating naturally just by tweaking your food habits. A smart combination of vegetarian and vegan summer foods can keep your tummy happy, light, and cool.
Let’s explore how to say goodbye to bloating this summer.
Bloating doesn't always happen because of overeating! It often comes from:
Because of all these reasons, you need foods that are hydrating, cooling, gut-friendly, and easy to digest.
Loaded with water and low in calories, cucumber is your best friend in the summer season. Add cucumber to salads, raitas, or enjoy freshly cut sticks with lemon and salt.
Papaya contains a digestive enzyme named papain that helps break down proteins and reduce bloating. Additionally, it’s easy to digest and sweet enough to reduce hunger cravings. Try papaya cubes with a dash of black salt or papaya smoothies.
Prepared with curd and water, chaas is India’s most famous natural probiotic drink. It cools the body, hydrates, and promotes digestion. Add roasted jeera (cumin) and a pinch of hing (asafoetida) for extra gut support. Use plant-based curd made from coconut or almonds for a vegan boost
The basil seeds swell up in water and cool your internal system from within. Add it to lemon water, coconut milk, or fruit-based smoothies. They also ease acidity and the feeling of bloating.
The Sachib ji from the famous Panchayat web series may not like this vegetable, but if you are suffering from bloating in summer, consume Lauki which is 96% water and is one of the easiest vegetables to digest. Prepare lauki sabzi, soup, or juice with a pinch of black pepper and ginger.
Despite being warm in nature, a little amount of fresh ginger in the summer season helps stimulate digestion as well as reduce stomach gas. Add it to nimbu pani, soups, or boiled veggie broths.
This is simply a hydration bomb that flushes out excess sodium (a common cause of bloating). Avoid watermelon after heavy meals; enjoy it as a mid-morning snack.
Hydrate Like a Pro: Sip a lot of water, coconut water, and mint-infused drinks throughout the day.
Eat Small, Eat Often: Instead of having 3 heavy meals, consume 5-6 smaller and balanced meals.
Skip the Fizzy Drinks: Soda entrap gas inside your body. Opt for lemon-mint water or seasonal fruit coolers.
Avoid Over-Spicing: Spicy masalas can irritate the stomach lining in summer to cause more discomfort.
Chew Slowly, Not Hastily: Often bloating happens due to improper eating habits. Proper chewing helps reduce air swallowing and it further eases digestion.
If you get “no” to any of these, you might feel bloated. Adjust and reset!
Smart eating is the best self-care in scorching weather. Stick to seasonal, plant-based, and hydrating meals, and observe the difference.
