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It’s the season where you can cuddle up with your loved ones and watch the raindrops slide down the window pane. Maybe with a steaming hot bowl of soup or a cup of hot cocoa in your hand. It’s the monsoon season, and it’s here! Perhaps one of the best seasons that you can enjoy while staying indoors. The earth is cleaner and greener, and the smell of the rain soothes and calms you. Your kids love the rain too. If you’re a lover of rain, you know what I’m talking about. However, with all this goodness, there are also some downsides to the rainy season. The sudden change in weather can cause your kids to fall sick. The risk of your kids catching infections is a bit higher, and that can be quite scary, especially because we are amidst a global pandemic. But with these few tips and tricks, you can boost your immune system and stay healthy while enjoying the rain.
Foods To Avoid
There is no right time to eat healthy, except always. But certain types of food can increase your chances of falling ill, so it’s best to avoid them during the monsoon season. Keeping an eye out for what your kids eat during this season will help you and them stay healthy. Here is a list of foods your kids must steer clear off to decrease the risk of falling sick:
1. Fried And Oily Foods
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This one’s a no-brainer. Oily and fried foods contain a ton of unhealthy fats, and a high-fat meal can shut off communication between your body and intestine, which affects digestion (1). It is vital to keep your digestive system healthy during monsoon. So, limit the amount of fried food your kid consumes.
2. Ice Lollies
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Who doesn’t love a good ice lolly or gola? But it can be unhygienic to buy these from street vendors because they might not be using distilled water. If your kids love them, make some clean ones for them at home.
3. Sea Food
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You might be a lover of seafood, but monsoon is a bad time for you to be consuming fish or any other type of seafood. This is when fish breed and the humidity during this season can reduce the freshness of the seafood. It’s best to stick to poultry during this time.
4. Dairy Products
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Although healthy, dairy products should be avoided during the monsoon season because they tend to get stale faster. Always check for the expiry date before consuming it. Milk is safe to drink, but curd should be avoided because you are more prone to catching a cold during monsoon.
5. Street Food
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No matter how yummy street food is, it’s best to avoid them during monsoons. Especially during this time, when facing a global pandemic, the safest option is to eat home-cooked food.
Foods That Help Boost Your Immunity
Now that you are aware of what foods to avoid, let’s look at some foods that can help strengthen your immune system:
1. Nuts, Seeds, And Dry Fruits
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Beat the hunger pangs the right way with these healthy snacks. Add some nuts, seeds, and dry fruits to your kid’s diet to enhance the nutritional value. They are also a good source of healthy fats.
2. Seasonal Fruits
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Fruits are delicious, healthy, and nutritious. They can be consumed as is or with your breakfast cereal. You could also add them to your milkshakes or smoothies.
3. Green Veggies
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Popeye showed us why spinach is excellent to build ‘em muscles, and it’s time we follow his lead. Green vegetables like broccoli, peas, bitter gourd, and spinach are great sources of iron, antioxidants, and vitamins. They improve immune function and gut health (2).
4. Garlic
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The age-old remedy for good health, garlic is packed with antioxidant properties, which boost immunity and improve metabolism. It can be used in many ways and contains antibacterial properties that prevent food poisoning. It is also extremely beneficial for cardiovascular health (3).
5. Sweet Potato
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High in vitamin A and C, sweet potatoes are the ultimate fall superfood. It is an excellent source of vitamins, potassium, fiber, iron, and calcium. It reduces the risk of cancer, improves digestion, and boosts immunity (4). It is a tasty and healthy snack that your kids will love.
During these unprecedented times, we have to check on our health and maintain high immunity levels. Eating healthy is one of them, but there are several other ways to stay healthy. Ensure that your kids get a good night’s sleep and make exercise a part of their daily routine.
Also, ensure that their hygiene is top-notch. Daily showers and regular washing of hands are not something that you should compromise on. Do not leave your house unless absolutely necessary and always ensure that you carry a sanitizer and face mask when you step outside to stay safe. We are facing a global pandemic, but with a little extra caution and safety, we’ll survive it. Stay home, stay safe!
