The Philippines’
summer months usually record the hottest temperatures of the year. And this
weather makes it the perfect time to travel around the country and have some
sunny adventures with family and friends. The heat though can also have an
impact on our overall health—we’re more prone to dehydration and having
digestive issues that can spoil all the fun.
Make the most out
of these easygoing months by staying healthy and nourishing the body with
wholesome food choices. Filipino plant-based brand Sekaya, and Dr. Eca Lorenzo,
internal medicine specialist and functional medicine practitioner, suggest
tweaks on our daily eating habits that can help energize us throughout summer.
Take advantage of fresh produce. April and May are when produce is at its
peak, when farmers harvest crops and when our own backyards are abundant with
fruits. “During this time, you notice that local in-season fruits like mango, guyabano, coconut, rambutan, santol, pomelo,
and pineapple are more readily available at your favorite grocery stores and
markets. This can help add more color and variety to your plates, allowing you
to get as many nutrients as possible,” shares Dr. Lorenzo. “It’s also great to
keep yourself well-hydrated by adding in more vegetables with high water
content like lettuce, tomato, broccoli, spinach, and eggplant to what you eat.”
Go for lighter meals. On warm days, the digestive system may
become slow as more energy is being spent to keep the body from overheating.
“Avoid eating heavy meals this summer to give your digestive system a chance to
keep up with everything that’s going on in your body,” Dr. Lorenzo suggests.
“Remember to control your portions and to take your time chewing your food to
avoid bloating.”
It’s good to have
some healthy snacks like veggie sticks and dips, trail mixes, and salad cups in
between meals to curb hunger and avoid overeating. “This is also an opportunity
to take in more fiber which helps digestion,” Dr. Lorenzo explains.
Choose your cold treats wisely. Instead of ice creams and sugary
beverages, try having fruit smoothies or botanical infused drinks. “Sugar can
actually lead to dehydration when consumed in high volumes,” Dr. Lorenzo warns.
“Drinking water is still the best way to quench your thirst. But if you want
something more flavorful, it’s best to choose the healthy route by making
smoothies with the freshest fruits and without added sugar or add ice to your
favorite botanical infusions.”
Sekaya Botanical
Infusion,
the plant-based brand’s line of botanical blends made from organic ingredients
with wellness benefits like easing digestive issues and boosting immunity, can
also be added to one’s hydration fix. They are so easy to prepare. Just steep a
bag or two in freshly boiled water and infuse for 3-4 minutes, then add ice or
put it inside the fridge for a refreshing healthy drink.
Observe food safety practices. Dr. Lorenzo reminds that cases of food
poisoning and gastroenteritis can be quite common during summertime. “Food
poisoning and gastroenteritis due to bacteria or virus have similar symptoms
like an upset stomach and vomiting. Both are caused by unhygienic or
contaminated food and water,” she adds.
“Prevent this from happening by following food prep standards like washing your
hands when handling ingredients, making sure fruits and veggies are washed
before eating, and ensuring that meat is cooked through. Also, avoid leaving
food and water out for hours, especially under the heat of the summer sun.”
Summer is a great
time to rest, relax and loosen up, but the heat can take a toll on our health
too. Maintain good eating habits and even add a few more, so we can avoid the
summer blues and stay having fun all season long.
Sekaya is a Filipino
plant-based brand that provides natural, science-backed products to support
your health goals and daily wellness. Sekaya is under Synnovate, the natural
products division of UNILAB. Learn more about how you can benefit from Sekaya’s
plant-based solutions and get health tips and information at https://www.sekaya.com.ph/ and by following @sekayaph on Facebook and Instagram.
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