Sweat smart—choose the right summer fuel!
Sweating it out during summer can be challenging, especially when you're trying to stay healthy and fit. With blazing sun and high humidity, there is a higher chance of fatigue and exhaustion. In this severe heat, most people reach out for two famous things—energy drinks or cooling foods. But which one is actually better for your fitness journey?
Whether you’re hitting the gym, jogging by the beach or doing yoga at home, choosing the right fuel can make a lot of difference. Let’s break it down and help you make a smarter and healthier choice.
Cooling foods are natural, hydrating, and help regulate body temperature. Some commonly available cooling foods are curd, buttermilk, watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, coconut water, Sabja (basil) seeds, mint, coriander, seasonal fruits like litchis and mangoes.
These foods naturally hydrate you, reduce internal heat, and provide long-lasting energy. They’re loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and natural sugars to keep you refreshed all day long.
Energy drinks are the carbonated beverages that contain Caffeine, artificial sugars or sweeteners, synthetic vitamins, flavour enhancers along with essential electrolytes.
Energy drinks give a quick boost, due to the presence of caffeine and sugar. However, the effects wear off fast, and they can lead to dehydration, jitteriness, and even cause disturbed sleep.
In extreme summer heat, the body loses plenty of water, salt, and minerals through sweat everyday. So, it's always better to opt for natural options rather than artificial ones to replenish lost electrolytes.
One glass of nimbu pani with salt and sugar can be more hydrating and energizing than supermarket bought packaged energy drinks. Above all, the natural way is cheaper too!
Pre-workout: High sugar and caffeine can suddenly increase your heart rate. So skip those energy drinks just before workouts.
Post-workout: Energy drinks don’t support muscle recovery either. So, it's better to skip those.
Empty stomach: When you are hungry and exhausted, sugary foods feel heavenly! But, these energy drinks promote acidity or jitters when consumed in an empty stomach.
Hidden Truth:
You will be shocked to know that most energy drinks are not meant for regular use, especially in Indian weather. They’re smartly marketed for style rather than substance.
Before workouts: Consume fruits like banana or watermelon
After workouts: Consume curd, buttermilk, or coconut water for faster recovery
Anytime snack: Try a bowl of fruits with soaked sabja seeds and mint.
While energy drinks may offer a quick burst of energy, naturally available cooling foods nourish your body, regulate temperature, improve digestion, and support long-term fitness goals.
Coconut water
Fresh and seasonal fruit juices
Lemon water
Buttermilk (chaas)
Mint-infused water
Sugarcane juice
Nature gives us everything we need—in the form of hydrating fruits, refreshing drinks, and traditional cooling ingredients. Choose wisely and recharge fuel naturally!
