Summer is here, and just as your family needs to adjust to a new schedule, your body needs some nutritional adjustments, as well…
The summer heat may lead to several health problems that derive from the heat such as dehydration, heat stroke, constipation, diarrhea and more.
It is important to understand that there are different nutritional requirements by the body for every season, so your diet over the summer months can make a huge difference in the way you feel.
Here are some Do’s and Don’ts for Summer nutrition;
1. Don’t drink cold water after a long sun exposure.
Drinking chilled water after several hours in the sun may shock your body, and result in some digestive issues and even a sore throat! Drinking ice cold drinks may also create toxins in the body.
2. Don’t start a crash diet in the summer months. Many feel pressured to lose weight in order to fit into their shorts and swim suits, and talk about a “summer body”. Well, summer bodies are made in the winter… (so remember that for January 2024).
Wanting to look good fast leads many to try fad diets which lead to sluggishness, headaches, nausea and general weakness.
- Don't load up on caffeinated beverages.
Caffeine can be found in many drinks, not just in coffee. Sodas, iced teas and popular energy drinks may contain high amounts of caffeine.
Caffeine dehydrates our body due to its diuretic properties, so drinking to much of it may actually make you dehydrated and may cause headaches.
- Don't avoid eating animal proteins. There is a misconception that these proteins generate excessive heat in the body, and avoiding them during the hot months can help cool the body naturally.
These protein-rich foods are important to maintain healthy weight and will not contribute to your body’s heat. You do want to avoid eating dark meats, as they do tend to heat up your body.
- Avoid strenuous exercise in the later parts of the day- It is recommended to exercise early in the morning, as it is the coolest part of the day. Engaging in vigorous exercise in the later parts of the day may heat up the body and cause more harm than good.
- Avoid foods that heat your body up. Certain foods produce heat in your body and become hazardous. Avoid carrots and citrus fruit, for example. You may also want to limit tomatoes, chili, garlic, and salted cheese.
- Make sure you eat lunch. During summertime, your digestive “fire” is at its strongest in the middle part of the day. Missing lunch during the summer months could make you feel irritated and cranky.
- Integrate cooling oils into your day. Use jasmine and sandalwood oils to your summer rescue. These oils have cooling properties and also a soothing aroma. Rubbing coconut oil on your body before taking a bath can have a cooling and soothing effect on the skin after a long day in the heat.
- Eat more raw veggies and salads. Salads have a strong cooling effect, and are recommended to be eaten especially for lunch.
- The obvious- Drink LOTS of water! Hydrating your body is extremely important. Make sure you drink half your body's weight. (For example, a person weighing 160 LBs should be drinking about 80 oz water per day, which equals 10 glasses of water).
I hope you found these tips helpful! Wishing you a continued wonderful, cool summer!
