Beat the Heat - Cooling and Calming Foods
Who doesn’t love a blazing hot, lazy summer day? The problem is when you have to be active in the heat, whether it’s at work, training, looking after kids or running errands.
We tend to be more active in the warmer months, get more sun and have more meals out and about. While fun, this lifestyle shift can wreak havoc on our internal systems including dehydration and nutrient deficiencies, not to mention the trauma of the dreaded sunburn!
So how can we use food to help keep us cool, keep us healthy, and without cramping the summer lifestyle?
Hydration Hacks
Daily recommended water intake is 2L, however if you exercise, spend time in the sun or air conditioning, or are a more ‘cuddly’ type of figure it’s a good idea to increase your intake.
Drink water first thing in the morning. It’ll kickstart your digestive system and help hydrate muscles, especially if you exercise in the morning.
Add delicious summer flavours to your water bottle that also keep you healthy. Try a hunk of ginger, some mint leaves or some citrus and cucumber slices.
Make the most of vegetables with a high water content such as celery, cucumber, zucchini, eggplant and capsicum.
Include in-season fruits with high water content such as citrus, melons, tomatoes and berries.
Limit diuretics such as caffeinated energy drinks, coffee and black tea.
Calm Your Farm
Keeping your digestive system cool and calm can avoid unwanted bloating, flatulence and discomfort. Before you reach for the laxatives to fit in your skimpy summer dress, try these options.
Apart from boosting your overall micronutrient health, some spices have a calming effect on the GI tract. These include ginger, turmeric, fennel, cumin and even black pepper! Try adding ginger and turmeric to a curry, or shave some fresh fennel into a salad. (Hint: They’re also all delicious!)
Peppermint tea works wonders to calm the GI tract after a spicy, salty or indulgent meal. Mix with a little honey and ice for a delicious substitute for those heavy dessert options.
Tap into the Summer Lifestyle
Even if your lifestyle changes markedly during the warmer months, you can maintain your health by making these hacks a part of your summer lifestyle.
Keep a jug of healthy mocktails by the pool, or take it to the beach with you! Try these delicious flavour combinations:
Juice a grapefruit, add mint leaves and a little honey
Mix cranberry juice, lemon balm leaves and slices of lemon and orange for a Not-Quite-Sangria
Juice a lime and throw some zest in the jug. Add chunks of ginger, mint leaves and a little maple syrup for an exotic Not-Quite-Mojito.
Remember that hydrating doesn’t have to be boring, and staying healthy during summer isn’t just about exercising! Work hard in the gym but replenish those lost micronutrients so you can keep smashing those workouts through into winter!
