Maharashtra elections: Eat and stay hydrated with these easy tips & food recipes

After the Lok Sabha 2024 elections earlier this year the highly anticipated Maharashtra elections are here While there is a lot of talk about political implications a lot of it is going to depend on the voter turnouttodayIncidentally a lot of Mumbaikars are going to be coming out to vote but not without having to stand in long queues It gets worse because the winter hasnt even set in so the sweltering heat is going to be hard to deal with especially after what the last few days has shown us about the weatherSo while many people are eager to cast their vote Jinal Patel dietitian at Zynova Shalby Hospital says there are certain things to keep in mind She explains On election day many people find themselves standing in long lines for extended periods in the hot scorchingsun This can take a heavy toll on their physical wellbeing Prolonged standing or exposure to heat can lead to a range of health issues like dehydration fatigue headache dizziness nausea muscle cramps and leg painIn order to avoid these health issues Patel says it becomes crucial to take proactive steps in advance and be wellprepared before stepping outdoors She adds If you are heading outdoors for voting then make sure that you are eating full meals that are jampacked with essential nutrients to help you stay full for a longer duration You can also pack light snacks and drinks to help you stay energized and hydrated while standing in the linesThe Mumbaibased dietitian says for hydration one can carry easytomake yet tasty drinks like buttermilk lemonade iced tea fruit juice and water These can not only keep you hydrated but also refresh you while you vote You can pack yourself a quick fruit salad with fruits of your choice topped with chaat masala to elevate its taste Sharing a quick recipe Patel says people can try making simple healthy granola bars Simply put together one cup of rolled oats a dash of honey or maple syrup for the sweetness butter mixed nuts dry fruits and a few chocolate chips for a fun twist Mix these ingredients well put them onto parchment paper in the baking tray and let them chill in the freezer for an hour or two until the texture becomes consistent Once set you can cut them into bitesize and carry them in a tiffin box for quick snacking she addsCelebrity chef Aananya Banerjee also says People can carry granola bars and a chiasabja seeds drink to keep them satiated and hydrated for a long timeGranola barBanerjee adds a twist with some different kinds of seeds peanut butter and even vanilla extractIngredientsRolled oats 2 cupsAlmonds chopped 12 cupWalnuts chopped 12 cupPumpkin seeds 14 cupSunflower seeds 14 cupDried fruits raisins cranberries apricots 12 cupHoney or maple syrup 12 cupPeanut butter or almond butter 13 cupVanilla extract 1 tspA pinch of saltDark chocolate chips optional 14 cupMethod1 Toast the dry Ingredients Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius 350 degrees Celsius Spread oats almonds walnuts pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds on a baking sheet Toast for 8ndash10 minutes stirring halfway Let them cool2 Combine wet ingredients In a saucepan warm honey or maple syrup and peanut butter Stir until smooth Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt3 Mix everything In a large bowl combine the toasted mixture with the wet mixture Add dried fruits and chocolate chips if using4 Shape and set Line a square pan with parchment paper Press the mixture firmly into the pan Chill in the fridge for 2ndash3 hours or until set5 Cut and serve Remove from the pan and cut into bars Store in an airtight container for up to a weekChia and Sabja drinkPeople can also make a chia and sabja drink she says that has a variety of ingredientsIngredientsChia seeds 2 tspSabja basil seeds 2 tspWater 1 12 cups to soak seedsFresh lime juice 2 tbspHoney or jaggery syrup 1 tbsp optionalMint leaves a fewChilled water or coconut water 2 cupsIce cubes as neededMethod1 Soak the seeds Soak chia seeds and sabja seeds in separate bowls with enough water for 10ndash15 minutes until they swell Drain excess water if needed2 Prepare the drink In a large pitcher combine chilled water or coconut water lime juice honey if using and mint leaves Stir well3 Add the seeds Mix the soaked chia and sabja seeds in the drink Let it rest for 5 minutes for flavours to blendIf you dont have the time to make these then Dr Vedika Premani who is the clinical dietician at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai says you can make simple beverages like lime water with mint coconut water sabza water with mint jaljeera water sattu drink and jeera buttermilk tooIf you are looking for snacks then Premani says you can just simply carry along nuts and seeds like almonds pistachio walnuts pumpkin seeds flaxseeds fruits like apples bananas oranges roasted makhana roasted kurmura Greek yogurt and roasted channaAt Tattva Bar and Cafe chef Rupesh Ramnath Mokal explains These snacks and coolers are simple to prepare nutritious and perfect for staying energised while participating in democracy A perfect snack for a long day needs to be quick nourishing and packed with energy to keep you going strongHe suggests making the following dishes quickly1 Power Pack WrapIngredients Whole wheat wrap hummus fresh greens cherry tomatoes grilled chicken or tofu and a squeeze of lemon He shares The Power Pack Wrap is easy to carry nutritious and provides a boost of energy from protein and healthy carbs ensuring people stay fueled throughout the day2 Spicy Masala ChickpeasIngredients Boiled chickpeas a dash of olive oil chili powder cumin salt and lemon juice This snack is proteinpacked flavorful and o ers a burst of energy Itrsquos messfree and can be enjoyed even on the move3 Fruit and nut energy barsIngredients Rolled oats honey mixed nuts dried berries and a touch of cinnamon Mokal adds Homemade energy bars are wholesome and provide a quick burst of energy Theyrsquore lightweight easy to carry and donrsquot require refrigerationCoolers1Lemon Basil CoolerIngredients Fresh lemon juice basil leaves a splash of honey and chilled water He explains Refreshing and hydrating this drink keeps you cool in the heat while providing a vitamin boost2 Coconut Mint RefresherIngredients Fresh coconut water mint leaves and a hint of lime Naturally hydrating and packed with electrolytes this drink ensures voters remain energised and refreshed he concludesAlso ReadMaharashtra elections 2024 These Mumbaikars drove back 680 km to vote today will you go 2 km