Navigating the Summer Delights: Mango Pickle and Mango
Summer brings with it two tempting delights that most of us can’t resist. Unfortunately, they are also culprits behind summer weight gain. This is why many people find themselves battling extra pounds during the holiday season. However, that doesn’t mean you need to entirely forgo these indulgences. While these treats can lead to weight gain, they are especially concerning for those who are already dealing with obesity. Excessive weight gain adds stress to their lives. Let’s delve into the details of these two summer culprits.
Mango Pickle: Freshly prepared mango pickle, especially, is a delectable treat.
Mango: The second summer temptation is the mango itself. Both of these treats can contribute to weight gain during the summer months. Now, I’m not suggesting you eliminate them from your diet forever. What I am proposing is moderation. You can indulge in these treats, but it’s essential to do so in a way that doesn’t lead to weight gain or other health issues like hypertension and heart diseases.
Here are some guidelines to follow if you plan to enjoy these two delights during the summer:
1. Limit Consumption: When you’re relishing freshly made mango pickle, don’t consume it twice a day. Stick to eating it just once. You can enjoy it for 2 to 3 days, but ensure it’s only part of one meal.
2. Pair with Cooked Meals: Include mango pickle in your cooked meal but only consume it during that specific meal. For instance, if you have it for lunch, ensure you eat it when your stomach is full with enough rice. There’s no need to worry about gaining weight when you eat an adequate amount of rice in this manner.
3. Avoid Mixing with Other Foods: Mango pickle is best suited for consumption with rice, specifically polished or unpolished rice. It doesn’t pair well with foods like phulka, chapati, or millet rice. So, enjoy mango pickle exclusively with rice.
4. Manage Fluid Intake: Mango pickle’s salt content can lead to water retention in the body. Consuming pickle during lunch allows ample time for your body to process it. Consequently, you won’t experience as much fluid retention as you would if consumed during dinner.
5. Refrain from Eating Mangoes on the Same Day: Avoid eating mangoes on the same day you indulge in mango pickle. The combination of mangoes and pickle can be challenging for your body to metabolize simultaneously. Choose to enjoy either mangoes or mango pickle on a given day.
6. Control Meal Frequency: In the scorching summer months, reduce your cooked meals to twice a day instead of the customary three meals. If you crave mangoes, eat them in the morning or early evening. Ensure you maintain a gap between meals to avoid excessive calorie intake.
7. Skip Dinner and Breakfast: On the day you enjoy a heavy mango pickle meal, consider skipping dinner and breakfast the following day. This approach ensures that you don’t accumulate excess calories, as your body utilizes the energy efficiently.
By following these guidelines, you can relish mango pickle and mangoes without the risk of weight gain. Moreover, it’s advisable to consume mangoes exclusively in the evening during the summer season. Here’s another tip for a healthy approach: if you wish to enjoy two meals, start your day with foods like cucumber, ash gourd, or tomatoes, and follow with a refreshing juice at 10 a.m. Then, savor your favorite meal around 11:30 a.m. with mango pickle or other accompaniments. This practice is conducive to weight management.
Ultimately, it’s about conscious consumption. By making mindful choices and monitoring your meal frequency, you can relish these summer treats without compromising your health.