Banana Lassi

This lassi is a comination of banana and curd both of which are very helpful in hot climate.

Banana is a fruit that contains high amount of potassium and low levels of salt. This combination helps to regulate the blood pressure also helps in low pressure that occurs in summer.
They also regulate body temperature, protecting you from heat sickness in the summer

Curd or yogurt as it is popularly known is an excellent summer food to include in your daily diet, as it can provide you with essential carbohydrates, protein and calciumYogurt also adds a dose of probiotics, beneficial bacteria that keeps your digestive system running smoothly.

Bananas regulate body temperature, protecting you from heat sickness in the summer - See more at: http://www.naturalscoop.com/twenty-incredible-benefits-of-bananas/#sthash.l3dYLHCY.dpuf

Bananas regulate body temperature, protecting you from heat sickness in the summer - See more at: http://www.naturalscoop.com/twenty-incredible-benefits-of-bananas/#sthash.l3dYLHCY.dpuf

Bananas regulate body temperature, protecting you from heat sickness in the summer - See more at: http://www.naturalscoop.com/twenty-incredible-benefits-of-bananas/#sthash.l3dYLHCY.dpuf

Ingredients:

• 2 big ripe bananas / kela (peeled and sliced)
• 1-1/2 cups fresh curd (dahi / yogurt)
• 1-2 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
• Crushed Ice-Cubes

How to make Banana Lassi:

1. Combine all ingredients in a big blending jar.
2. Blend for few minutes until smooth.
3. Pour in serving glasses, add some ice cubes.
4. Serve chilled.

Variation can be chilled banana milkshake

Mrs Shilpa Mittal
Nutritionist and Diet Consultant
Founder Shilpsnutrilife - Diet and lifestylemakeover

kokum juice /solkadhi - refreshing summer drink

Kokum juice /solkadhi - refreshing summer drink

A tangy, refreshing drink made from this purple berry, native to India, is ideal for this sweltering heat. Kokum is low in calories, contains no cholesterol or saturated fats, and is rich in dietary fibre. A powerful antioxidant, it is rich in vitamin C, and contains a fair amount of potassium, manganese and magnesium.

INGREDIENTS (one glass)

• Dried kokum rind - 4 to 5 
• Mint, finely chopped - 1/2 tbsp.
• Roasted cumin powder - 1 tsp. 
• Sugar or jaggery or honey - 1 tsp. (optional)
• Black salt - 1/4 tsp. 
• Water - 1
• Ice cubes - 2 (optional)

METHOD OF MAKING

Step 1: Soak the kokum rinds overnight, or in hot water for couple hours, or till they get soft.

Step 2: Once the rinds are soft, squeeze and extract pulp.

Step 3: To the pulp, add chopped mint leaves, water, roasted cumin powder, black salt and sugar.

Step 4: Stir well, and serve chilled.

- Kokum juice is great for the summers, as it reduces body heat, prevents dehydration and cuts risk of sunstroke. 

- Can combat digestive problems like flatulence, acidity and constipation 


Solkadhi is a type of curry usually had with rice or sometimes drunk after the meals. Popular in the Konkan region of India, it is made from coconut milk and kokum. It's known for it digestive properties. The preparation is prepared by mixing coconut milk with kokum, a little bit of salt and/or chili-garlic paste is added for taste.

Mrs Shilpa Mittal Nutritionist and Diet Consultant Founder Shilpsnutrilife - Diet and lifestylemakeover

Barley water

 Barley water

 

In some countries, people consume barley rice during summer for its cooling properties.

Boil a table spoon of barley seeds in a liter of water. Bring down the quantity to half, if you don't enjoy the bland taste, then you could add a dash of lemon and keep consuming barley water through out the day.

-Barley water also brings down the heat content in the body.
-It also works as an excellent substitute to aerated drinks to quench your thirst.
-As it's a cooling agent it also helps reduce burning sensation in the stomach.
-It improves digestion and fight constipation, feeling of nausea."
-Barley water also prevents urine from stinking. Infact it is the best medicine when you have a Urinary Tract Infection.
-Regular consumption of barley water cleanses your kidney and keeps it free of toxins.
A study conducted by American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has shown that the fiber that comes from barley water lowers cholesterol, cuts risk of Type-2 diabetes.
-The antioxidants in barley prevents cancerous growths.

Mrs Shilpa Mittal
Nutritionist and Diet Consultant
Founder Shilpsnutrilife - Diet and lifestylemakeover

Cooling ragi kanji

Cooling ragi kanji

Calcuim-rich wonder grain, Finger millet i.e Ragi helps cool our body especially keeps the stomach quite cool during summer. Ragi drink works as a nutritious summer cooler. Tasty, filling and nourishing!


Here's the simple recipe. 
Take about 2-3 tbsp of ragi flour (sprouted is better) and add 2 cups of water on medium heat. Keep stirring often an egg whisk is handier than a spatula here. When the kanji gets nice and thick, remove from the heat and let it cool down. Add plain yogurt and a pinch of seasalt. Drink it.You can also enjoy this drink with very thinly sliced onions, green chillies, etc or with some Indian pickles on the side.

Mrs Shilpa Mittal
Nutritionist and Diet Consultant
Founder Shilpsnutrilife - Diet and lifestylemakeover

My article in may 2014 homemaker issue about healthy diet for working woman

My article in may 2014 homemaker issue about healthy diet for working woman

Mrs Shilpa Mittal
Nutritionist and Diet Consultant
Founder Shilpsnutrilife - Diet and lifestylemakeover

Tips to choose sweet and juicy watermelon

 Tips to choose sweet and juicy watermelon

Choose the right watermelon. Always choose one that is symmetrical and firm without any cuts and bruises. Turn it over and you will see a yellow colour on one side. The yellow area is a good sign as it shows that the watermelon was rested on the ground while ripening under the sun. It is also an indication that your melon is sweeter and juicer. Slap your melon and if it sounds hollow, then it is ripe.

So, next time you hit a fruit shop, don't forget to shop for a watermelon.

Mrs Shilpa Mittal
Nutritionist and Diet Consultant
Founder Shilpsnutrilife - Diet and lifestylemakeover

My article in may 2014 Homemaker hindi edition magzine - Healthy summer diet for kids

My article in may 2014 Homemaker hindi edition magzine - Healthy summer diet for kids

Mrs Shilpa Mittal
Nutritionist and Diet Consultant
Founder Shilpsnutrilife - Diet and lifestylemakeover