The monsoon season brings with it a sense of nostalgia. Rain is perceived by different people in different ways. The coolness in the air, lush greenery, and the sound of raindrops evoke vivid images of traffic jams, bumpy rides on potholed roads, and the delightful struggle with umbrellas in the wind and rain. The thrill of enjoying the beach or river creek while rain pours, or savoring homemade delicacies are cherished experiences. Those who say, “I hate rain,” are indeed rare!
The first day of the month of “Aashadh” marks the beginning of the monsoon season. This period, encompassing the Shravan and Bhadrapada months is filled with radiant festivals such as Vat Purnima, Jagannath Rath Yatra, Janmashtami, and Ganesh Chaturthi, bringing abundance and celebration.
However, the changing weather can also be responsible for inviting various ailments as the summer heat subsides. To avoid these and truly enjoy the monsoon, it is essential to make thoughtful changes to diet and lifestyle. Key considerations include:
- Digestion: The digestive system tends to slow down during the monsoon, so consuming foods that are easy to digest are advisable.
- Immunity: A dip in immunity can lead to frequent colds, coughs, or fevers. While weather changes are often blamed, the underlying issue is often a weakened immune system.
- Hygiene: Damp weather encourages bacterial growth, and minor lapses in hygiene can lead to falling prey to illnesses.
Embracing the monsoon with a balanced approach to health and happiness is essential. Here is a quick and simple guide to suitable and unsuitable foods during this season:
Suitable Foods
- Grains and Pulses: Millets, Whole Cereals, Soaked Lentils and Sprouted Beans
- Dairy: Turmeric milk, Herbal Teas, Warm Buttermilk
- Spices: Ginger, Asafoetida, Turmeric, Ajwain, Fennel Seeds
- Vegetables: Seasonal like local rainy veggies, Bitter Gourd, Neem, Fenugreek, Kantola
- Fruits: Jamun, Berries, Plums, Peaches
Unsuitable Foods
- Vegetables: Potato, Cauliflower, Okra, Leafy vegetables
- Pulses: Kidney Beans, Black Gram
- Dairy: Yogurt
- Fruits: Water-rich fruits like Watermelon, Muskmelon, Ice Apples
- Others: Salty and sour foods, processed and stale foods
Focusing on foods that support digestion and boost immunity while avoiding those that may aggravate digestive issues or lead to infections is the best way to enjoy the monsoon season.
Eat when hungry, watch for adequate hydration, and moderation is key along with the right time and duration of sleep and home-bound exercises. While taking care of your body’s nutrition, ensure you optimize this enriching atmosphere to increase your spiritual quotient. You can achieve this through meditation, reading scriptures, and reciting holy chants. By making mindful choices, the monsoon can be a time of health, spirituality, and happiness, ensuring its delights are fully embraced holistically and happily!
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