I am feeling hot and low and unenthusiastic, all at the same time, and Shilpa Shah gets the full benefit of my whining. She is a naturopath and a health and lifestyle consultant responds by telling me, “The first thing you must do is take time out for yourself.” I am about to protest when she firmly interrupts me and says “No excuses, it can be done.”
I pride myself on being off any kind of medication or supplements but lately doubts have begun to creep in. May be I should see a doctor, may be I need iron, or calcium, or multi-vitamins, or all of the above... But, at the back of my mind, I know what I need is a good talking to. Someone who will take me by my shoulders, turn me around and push me up the right track. A chat with Shah manages to accomplish some of that.
She assures me that, if I am mindful and follow just a few tips, I will be able to haul up my enthusiasm that is currently somewhere around my ankles. The fact that FB has just informed me that it is going to be a hot day in Coimbatore is not helping either. So to all those out there who are dreading the already-approached summers, here are some helpful tips from Shah:
If you are a morning person, pull yourself out of the confines of your home and go somewhere where there is some green. The indoors can get hot. Your sofas, curtains, furniture... everything in the house radiates heat and make you feel hotter. Outdoors, there is always fresh air and that will cool not just your skin but your mind as well. Walk or run or, if that is too much, just find a secluded spot, sit down and hear the birds call and the leaves rustle.
Drink plenty of fluids. Roast a teaspoon each of fennel and fenugreek, powder them and blend them with a cupful of cucumber. The water is refreshing, acts as a great detox to kickstart your metabolism. If you get bored with this, drink jeera pani, barley water, buttermilk, coconut water...there is plenty to choose from. If you are not able to do that, just ensure that you drink plain water at regular intervals. It is important to stay hydrated.
Eat the vegetables that nature intended you to eat in the season. Gourds, cucumbers, fruits...Eat them in plenty. They will replenish the nutrients and water you may have lost through sweat. Preferably eat whole fruits rather than fruit juices. Because nutrition is lost in the transition from fruit to juice and the latter has more calories.
Speaking of calories. Summer is the best time to get rid of unwanted weight and feel fit and whole again. It is too hot to eat rich and spicy food and that automatically cuts down on an unsuitable diet.
If you are a yoga practitioner, there are asanas and breathing techniques that can cool you from the inside when it gets too hot.