With temperatures feeling like they're in triple digits, you may be wondering what you can do to keep cool without straining the air conditioners. Obviously, drinking water is #1! And if you're thirsty, then you're already on the path to being dehydrated. If drinking water is too boring, try adding cucumber or lemons for a kick of flavor.
Lemon
Lemon's promote detoxification which is great for your skin and has immune boosting benefits. Adding lemon to a cold glass of water can help to regulate your body temperature and boost your energy level.
Mint
If lemon water isn't your thing, mint is also a great option. Mint can be used in a few different ways. You can brew mint or peppermint tea, put it in a spray bottle and create a cooling mist for your body. Or add it to your glass of water for a refreshing, hydrating drink. If you want to cool of with an alcoholic beverage, mint mojito's are a good option. The menthol in mint triggers sensors in the body that make you feel cool. Mint also has spicy qualities, causing you to sweat which has a cooling effect.
Cucumber
Cucumber's have a very high water content and are a diuretic which helps flush out toxins. They contain very little sugar and are low in calories, carbs and fat but contain large amounts of vitamin B, phosphorus, zinc and calcium.
Coconut Water
If you've tried water, lemon water, mint water and cucumber water and still aren't satisfied, try coconut water. Coconut water is a great source of anti-ageing elements but it's also loaded with protein, sugar, cooling agents and electrolytes to keep your body hydrated.
Melon
Melon's can contain up to 90% water making it a go to fruit for summertime. Watermelon can help reduce salt in your body, reducing bloat. Watermelon is a low-sugar, low-calorie fruit making it easy to add to your diet without worrying about gaining weight. Watermelon is rich in vitamin B which will boost energy levels. Cantaloupe and honeydew melons are high in potassium and low in calories, protein, fat and carbs which make them a good option for weight loss. Melons are also a diuretic which rids your body of toxins.
Onion
Maybe somewhat surprising, onions are beneficial for heatstroke. Applying onion juice on temples and chest can prevent sunstroke. Onions contain a chemical called Quercetin which has an anti-histamine effect that helps beat heat-related issues.
Soup
While you probably can't fathom eating hot soup in 100 degree heat, cold soup is a great option for summertime. Think avocado and coconut milk soup or chilled cucumber soup. You find find great cold soup recipes here. Soup is easy to digest and helps you hydrate.
Spicy Food
Somewhat open to opinion is spicy food. While you wouldn't think eating spicy foods could help you cool down, you may be wrong. Spicy foods make you sweat. Sweat is designed to bring down your body temperature and cool your skin. So while you may become hotter at first, you will eventually cool down.
Other ways to cool off include carrying an umbrella and water bottle with you while you're out and about, take cooler showers and avoid using your oven.
Avoid coffee and alcohol as they both can dehydrate you. Eating can raise your body temperature during digestion, so allow 2-3 hours after eating before going to bed.
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