Like a fish in (loads of) water. Review on Five Favourite Beverages

Delhiites spend half of the year in mind-boggling heat and another quarter in muggy humidity. To smile through it all, you need - loads and loads of the squishy stuff! With soft drink fads definitely being on the way out(imagine they use it as pesticide - and it works!), and tea/coffee being awfully dehydrating, here are a few other options for the weight watchers and the health freaks-

*Lemonade**  or good old nimbu-paani. Easily prepared with a dash of lime and a pinch of salt and yummy to boot,  this remains my eternal favorite. If you happen to be outside, a packaged lemonade is available in the shops, though it's a bit too sweet for my taste. Dabur **Lemoneez** deserves mention here as a terrific and convenient option, though I don?t suppose it matches a lemon in the goody Vitamin C content.

Weight-watchers* - a half-slice of lemon with a spoonful of honey in a glass of lukewarm water first thing in the morning is a natural slimming remedy? see if it works!

*Buttermilk** or good old *lassi*  is not only yummy but also cool in the summer heat. Kids love the frothy bubbles on top.

There is also a commercial lassi available at the local **Mother Dairy**. Packed in a convenient sachet that can be cut at the top, it comes in both sweet and salty flavors. Need I say I love the salty one? Priced at just Rs.5/-, it wins hands don over any cold drink - ad or no ad. At home, it is also the easiest thing to whip up and serve to guests.

Weight-watchers* - Use toned milk and skip the sugar.

*Milk shakes, Milk shakes? the eternal milk shakes** - Well, what better way to get that dos of calcium down, stay healthy and yet beat the heat? Shake up a glass of milk with plenty of fruit and there you are! Now, the best milk shakes, I still say are -**Nirula's**. I can never forget their Hot Chocolate Fudge. A word to the wise - The cold coffee at **McDonald?s **is passable, and just pass on the iced tea.

Weight-watchers* - Use toned milk and avoid ice-cream.

For my fourth choice, I pick **Jaljeera** - tangy, tasty and just right. You can go in for the bottled kind, but the best variety is **authentic**.  Add loads of crushed ice and be ready with a mocktail and an appetizer to beat any other.

Weight-watchers* - You just can't go wrong with this choice. Just sit back and relax.

Last but not the least  **water melon juice** The best way to have this is pure and simple with lots of ice and a dash of rock salt.

Weight-watchers* - Artificial sweeteners are harmful in many other ways that sugar is not. It is much better to rely on diet control and exercise.

Happy dinking!