Ramadan 2022: Weight-loss friendly summer drinks to quench your thirst

The scorching summer has arrived early this year in several parts of India. The temperatures in March and April have already crossed the 40-degree mark at these places. So, keeping yourself hydrated at all times is an absolute necessity. The current month has many people observing Ramzan fasting and therefore, it is even more important to keep your energy level high through hydration. And what does that better than some energizing summer drinks?

To keep yourself fresh and thirst-free, it is important to opt for summer drinks that are healthy too. Here is a list of some of the best summer drinks that you can drink during your Ramadan fasting period also.

HealthShots spoke to Ms. Avni Kaul, Nutritionist, wellness coach and certified diabetic educator, founder of NutriActivania, who listed some low calorie summer drinks.

For a refreshing Iftar, try these summer drinks:

1. Papaya lemonade

This is a very refreshing summer drink. It is simple to make with only three ingredients: papaya, lemon juice, and water.

Here’s now to make it:

1. Add peeled papaya and water in a blender jar and churn.
2. Pour it into a tall glass.
3. Squeeze a lemon and enjoy chilled.

This drink keeps you cool and relaxed. Papaya is low in calories and rich in fiber, which helps you feel fuller for longer. The natural fibers present in it detoxify and cleanse your body, keeping it healthy and fit. Papaya is rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals which help keep the heart healthy by countering heart disease. Also, Vitamin C, fiber, and potassium present in it promote healthy blood flow which keeps your arteries healthy.

2. Cucumber grapes smoothie

Smoothies made of green cucumber and green grapes are high in nutrients and have a low-calorie volume.

Here’s how to make it:

1. In a blender jar, add peeled cucumber chunks and fresh green grapes.
2. Churn together and pour it into a glass.
3. Add some ice to it and serve cold.

Vitamins, minerals, healthy carbohydrates, fiber, and low-fat whole foods are all present in it in adequate quantities. Green smoothies, contrary to fruit juices, use whole fruits and vegetables so that you get the complete fiber and nutrition. Fiber is important for colon health and the proper functioning of the bowels. Green smoothies are not just a good way to eat your vegetables, but they also ensure that you get enough water and make for perfect summer drinks.

3. Masala mint chaas

Chaas is also known by other names or forms like lassi, and buttermilk but this homemade cool tonic is a wonderful summer drink that could keep your health issues at bay.

Here’s how to make it:

1. In a blender jar, add curd or plain chaas and a few mint leaves.
2. Churn it together.
3. Add roasted jeera and rock salt before churning it all again.
4. Pour into a tall glass and garnish with mint leaves.

It is rich in calcium, Vitamin B12, along with potassium. It also relieves one from headaches and nausea. Buttermilk is also excellent for boosting immunity. It works as a digestive coolant because the probiotics present in buttermilk help keep your gut health in check.

4. Coconut water

Full of a nutritional punch, coconut water is an excellent choice when it comes to quenching your thirst in hot summers. It is low in calories, free of any sort of fat and cholesterol, more potassium than bananas, and a good hydrating agent. It is nutrient rich and has multiple health benefits. You can have it as it is or make a bowl of nature’s cereal

Here’s how to make it:

1. Pour out the contents of coconut into a bowl.
2. Scoop out the tender flesh of coconut and cut it into chunks.
3. Cut your favourite fruits like, strawberries, pomegranate and kiwis into tiny chunks.
4. Add fruits and ice cubes to the bowl.
5. Enjoy chilled

You can add tiny cubes of your favorite fruit and ice in a bowl of coconut water to make nature’s cereal. It tastes heavenly and refreshing!

5. Pomegranate lemonade

Pomegranate lemonade is another sweet and tangy drink to beat the summer. With a blend of sour lemon juice and some tart grenade juice, this drink has a punch.

Here’s how to make it:

1. In a blender jar, add pomegranate pearls, lemon juice, a pinch of pepper and rock salt.
2. Blend it all together and strain out the seeds using a muslin cloth or fine strainer.
3. Pour it into a cocktail glass and serve chilled.

The combination of these ingredients work as a cooling summer drink.