Summer is here, which means it's time to relax. Summer is also a great time to get in touch with nature and enjoy the sun. If you've been working hard all year long, then summer can be an opportunity to rest and recharge your batteries by spending time outdoors in your garden or go for a vacation in the hills.
In addition to enjoying the outdoors during this season, prolonged exposure to heat can cause serious health issues. So let’s know how we can include some of the summer coolant foods into our diet.
Summer foods
Summer is a great time for enjoying fresh, light and refreshing foods. Some of the summer coolant foods are Watermelon, Grilled vegetables, Salads, Quinoa, Iced tea, Smoothie bowls, Fresh berries, Oat flakes, Chia seeds, sabja seeds.
Natureland Organics is one of the top 5 organic food brands in India and provides a variety of organic food products out of which organic rolled oat flakes, organic Quinoa, organic Chia seeds are some of them which can be used as summer coolant foods. Let us explore how we can include these foods in our diet.
1. Oat flakes
Organic oat flakes are a great source of fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and zinc. They are also low in fat and gluten-free, making them a popular choice for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
To incorporate organic oat flakes in your diet, you can use them as a base for oatmeal, granola, or muesli. You can also add them to smoothies, yoghurt or baked foods for added nutrition.
Here is a simple and healthy breakfast recipe using oat flakes:
Oatmeal Banana Pancakes
Ingredients:
-1 ripe banana, mashed
-1 egg
-1/2 cup oat flakes
-1/2 teaspoon baking powder
-1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
-1/4 cup milk
-1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
-Butter or oil for cooking
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk mashed banana and egg together until well combined.
- Add in the oat flakes, baking powder, cinnamon, milk, honey/maple syrup, and stir until everything is well mixed.
- Leave it for a few minutes to allow the oat flakes to absorb the liquid.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a little bit of butter or oil.
- Use a measuring cup to pour the batter onto the pan and cook until the edges start to dry out and the surface begins to bubble.
- Flip the pancake and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until golden brown on both sides.
- Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Serve hot with your favourite toppings such as fresh fruit, honey or yogurt.
2. Organic Chia seeds
Organic Chia seeds are a nutritious addition to breakfast, as they are high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Here's a simple and delicious recipe for chia seed pudding :
Chia seed pudding
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any other plant-based milk)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh fruit, nuts, and/or seeds for topping
Directions:
- In a bowl, whisk chia seeds, almond milk, honey or maple syrup (if using), and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, then whisk again to break any clumps.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Give the pudding a good stir and it’s ready to serve.
- Top with fresh fruit, nuts, and seeds of your choice.
3. Organic Quinoa
Organic Quinoa is one of the few plant-based foods that contains all nine essential amino acids, and also a superfood making it a complete protein source.Here's a simple and tasty breakfast recipe with organic quinoa.
Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 banana, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer and drain.
- In a medium sized pan, combine quinoa, almond milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Then, it’s ready to serve and top your bowl with sliced banana, chopped nuts, and drizzle honey if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Conclusion:
Make your summer stress-free and avoid the risk of sun-stroke by regularly hydrating yourself and by adding these summer foods to your meals which improves your overall health while staying cool and refreshed.
