Low calorie, highly Nutritious, Summer Treats :)

Its hot outside, and all you want to do is lick some cooling ice-cream or simply gulp down a can of cola or sprite. Sounds so refreshing!.. isn't it? Now imagine, doing this each time you feel hot and thirsty. Problem arises when these once in a while treats become a habit and gradually form a part of our lifestyle.

To alert you, a regular scoop of Icecream (72 gms - 1/2 cup) contains 145 calories out of which 71 calories come from  nearly 8 gms fat. Gosh!!.. That is half the amount of total fat intake one should consume in the whole day.
Let us look at a can of Coke - 330 ml contains 142 calories coming purely from approx 33 gms of refined sugar. And that is not all to it,the phosphoric acid in it interferes with the body's ability to use calcium, leading to soft bones and teeth.

Looking at such health hazards, I do not think one would like to knowingly cause harm to themself. 

So, what are the healthier options? Well, we all know them, it is just that we have forgotten them or are just lazy to make these quick treats :)

• Stock the refrigerator with these refreshing and healthful drinks. Buttermilk, Fresh Lime Juice (Nimboo Pani), coconut Water, Fruit Smoothies, Milkshakes, Cold Masala Milk, Iced Green Tea, Fresh Veg Juice, Fruit juice (not more than a small cup per day) and Soyamilk.
• If not in a mood, you can bite into refreshing fruits like melons, citrus fruits, refrigerated mangoes, custard apples, kiwi or any other refreshing fruit.

• Drink plenty of water and prevent dehydration. Sometimes simply thirst signals from the body are mistaken for hunger and we tend to overeat.
• Always carry a bottle of water and a citrus fruit like orange when travelling. 

Researches have proven that higher consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with a greater magnitude of weight gain and an increased risk for development of type 2 diabetes in women, possibly by providing excessive calories and large amounts of rapidly absorbable sugars.

A 22-year study of 80,000 women found that those who consumed a can a day of sugary drink had a 75% higher risk of gout than women who rarely had such drinks. (25) Researchers found a similarly-elevated risk in men. 

To be COOL, please do not FOOL your body :)