Don’t mention it!
With temperatures soaring to tropical heights this week, it’s important to keep your body cool and hydrated. An important part of this is everything you ingest. So are you curious about what is best to eat and drink during these hot days? We got you!
1. Cut down on alcohol
It’s often assumed that alcohol and caffeine cause dehydration, but dietitian Joanna Gregg of MyFitnessPal says there’s actually not much evidence that this is true. “However, if you drink alcohol or sugary drinks instead of water, it can definitely cause a disruption in your hydration status,” says Gregg. This means that you have to go to the toilet more and therefore become dehydrated more quickly. It’s best to consume as little alcohol as possible, so focus on water instead!
2. Eat lots of fruit
We understand that at some point you might get tired of all that water. Luckily, fruits and vegetables are also a great and natural source of water. “The water content in fruits and vegetables allows them to be consumed in a larger volume with fewer calories,” Gregg explains. So throw plenty of cucumbers, oranges, strawberries, and tomatoes in your fridge to keep yourself hydrated during these hot days.
3. Prepare cold snacks
You can also incorporate fruit into prepared, cold snacks, which Gregg says are a great way to keep your body cool. No inspiration? For example, try celery with peanut butter, yogurt with strawberries or cottage cheese with cucumber. You can all prepare these treats and easily store them in the refrigerator, so you always have something hydrating to snack on!
4. Be cautious with meat
It has not been scientifically proven that eating meat makes you sweat more, but eating large amounts of meat can really increase your body temperature. “The digestion of food generates energy and heat. The digestion of proteins in particular requires more energy to break down than fat and carbohydrates,” says Gregg.
If you notice little to no difference when you eat meat, you can of course continue to do so. But if you start to feel anxious when eating meat, it might be wise to consider switching to plant-based proteins or smaller portions.
5. Listen to your body
Finally, the most important advice is and remains: listen carefully to what your body tells you. “Paying attention to your body and its hunger and thirst signals is the best way to keep your body performing at its best, no matter the heat,” says Gregg.
Source: MyFitnessPal, BBC Good Food | Image: Adobe Stock
