As the summer season approaches, people’s eating habits automatically start changing. While in winter there is more hunger and people eat heavy food easily, whereas in summer the stomach gets filled quickly. Many people start eating light, some people start skipping meals, while many people depend only on salad or fruits. But here a big problem arises due to protein deficiency. When people reduce the amount of food, often the protein also reduces. Its effect may not be felt much in the beginning, but after a few days the body starts giving signals. In such times, plant-based protein (protein obtained from plants) can prove to be very useful. Especially when it is prepared and eaten properly. So let us know why high-protein diet seems heavy in summer. Also, what is the lightest and best plant-based protein option?
Why does a high-protein diet feel heavy in summer?
Heat affects not only the outside temperature, but also the processes inside the body. Due to high temperature, appetite sometimes decreases, stomach acid gets produced a little less, heavy food quickly becomes uncomfortable. This is the reason why the food which seemed perfectly fine in winter can cause heaviness in the stomach, gas or lethargy in summer. Protein is such a nutrient that the body has to work a little harder to digest. If this protein is taken from heavy pulses or poorly prepared plant sources, it can put more pressure on the intestines. This does not mean that plant protein is bad. The real thing is that a balance is necessary between the weather and the way of eating.
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What is the lightest and best plant-based protein option?
1. Fermented batters – Fermented batter used for dosa, idli or dal cheela is a great option in summers. It is easy to digest, has better absorption of nutrients and is light on the stomach. The process of fermentation reduces some elements present in pulses which hinder digestion.
2. Tofu – Tofu is a light and high quality protein source made from soybeans. You can eat it in many ways. Like roasting it lightly, adding it to vegetables, mixing it in salad. It provides good protein without making the stomach feel too heavy.
3. Tempeh – Tempeh is also made from soybeans, but it is fermented. For this reason it is easier to digest than normal soybean. It is not very common in India yet, but its use is gradually increasing.
4. Sattu Drink – Sattu is considered a traditional superfood of summer. Sattu is cooling, rich in protein and gets digested quickly. Salty or sweet Sattu drink can be a great protein option in summer.
5. Alternatives to Moong Dal – Moong dal is considered one of the mildest pulses in summer. It can be taken in many ways. Like moong dal cheela, moong dal soup, sprouted moong. All of these are light on the stomach and full of nutrition.
Easy ways to take plant protein in summer
There are some simple techniques in the Indian kitchen that can make protein more digestible. In which digestion becomes easier by soaking pulses and seeds for a few hours. Formatting the batter for dosa or idli improves the absorption of nutrients. Well cooked pulses are light on the stomach. Spices like cumin, asafoetida, ginger and fennel help in digestion, instead of taking more protein at one time, it is more beneficial to take it at different meals.
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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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