Summer has already began. To most of the people, summer means fun in the sun. The kids are out of school, adults are going on vacations and it is the time for outdoor activities like riding bikes and hosting barbecues and much more. Staying healthy during the summer needs more than just eating the right foods.
Following are some of the useful lifestyle tips, that can be used to beat the summer heat:
Water is the best option to satisfy your thirst. A basic ingredient to keep the body cool. During summers, when the humidity increases, the sweat does not evaporate quickly, which prevents the body from releasing heat in an efficient manner. So, it s essential to be hydrated , even when you are not thirsty.
Avoid caffeinated or carbonated, alcoholic, and sugar rich beverages. These contain preservatives, colors and sugars. Are acidic in nature and act as diuretics. Cause loss of fluids through urine.
Never drink very chilled liquids. They do not help you to cool down, even though they make you cool for some time. It may lead to a slight constriction of the blood vessels in the skin and decrease heat loss, which is not advisable when trying to cool down.
The best way to help you digest the meal, is to take a quick stroll for 15 minutes and you would get in some extra exercise, stress-free.
Minimize the intake of dried fruits, and increase the intake of fresh fruit.
Try to include lots of fruits and vegetables in the form of salads and fresh juices, preferably without sugar, in the diet, except heavy vegetables and fruits, like spinach, radish, hot peppers, onions, garlic, beetroot, pineapple, grapefruit and ripe mangoes.
Drink lemon juice, coconut water and thin buttermilk, to replenish the fluids that are lost in sweat.
Avoid Mexican, Italian and Bar-b-Que because these Big Three foods tend to be fatty and packed with protein, which lends that too-stuffed feeling.
Avoid hot, spicy and extremely salty foods; fried foods; sugary foods, especially honey and molasses.
