Beat the heat: Some basic tips for Bangalore residents

As the temperature soars and a scorching summer becomes imminent with each passing day, its time to bring on your defence game and play cool to beat the heat. Here are some basic tips to see you through the spell of a long, hot and dry summer.

Drink lots of water. Since you tend to lose body fluids during summer, it’s important that you increase your fluid intake. Try and avoid the usual fizzy drinks, go for fresh fruit juices, lassi and buttermilk instead. The city gives you options galore: outlets like Juice Junction and Sri Ganesh Juice Bar make brisk business as they guarantee you fresh juices at highly reasonable rates.

For something more filling, try a lassi or kulfi falooda at Sreeraj Lassi Bar. The fresh strawberry milkshake at Corner House is truly yummy, as is the rest of their ice-cream menu. Or else, you could try out something more fun, colourful and frothy at the Cafe Coffee Day or Barista outlets in the form of frappes, cold coffees, granitas and cremosas.

Summer is not the time for oily, masala laden, four course meals. Eat small light portions and pack in a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. Check out the supermarkets like Food World, Big Bazaar, Namdhari’s and Reliance Fresh that are huge draws with their selection of fresh fruits and veggies—both domestic as well as imported.

If you are looking for something more substantial, its time to tuck into some good old south Indian fare at Darshini. The likes of Sukh Sagar and Shanti Sagar serve delicious curd rice, idli and other such healthy and low-on-oil grub.

Finally, go natural this summer with only light cotton clothing. Cotton World has a new line of trendy, 100 per cent cotton wear for women. Westside has brought out their summer line of cute strappy and sleeveless tops and mini skirts. Denim outlets like Levis and Pepe have introduced short denim skirts and surf shorts as well as cut-off jeans in place of full length ones to keep you comfortable.

Your search for cool ethnic wear will end at Fab India. Walk into that evening do in cool shades of rust, turquoise and olive green drapes from any of their outlets. High end fashion stores like Esprit, Tommy Hilfiger and Nautica too have their summer lines on display, all of which are equally tempting.

And last but not the least, use this season as an excuse to get a trendy pair of shades. The bigger and more bug-eyed the better! Lawerence & Mayo, Mulani Opticians and Shoppers Stop all stock a range of international brands. So go ahead and get yourself a new summer wardrobe, stock your fridge with lots of juice, curd, fruits and veggies and don’t forget to use sunscreen, or better still, the good old plaid parasol, before stepping out in that hot, sunny afternoon.