Cool Tips to Keep Cool!

 It's HOT out...Everywhere! So here are some cool tricks to keep coooool:

• I know this may be a bit difficult for some of us but, when possible, try to avoid an excess caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine and Alcohol tend to promote dehydration. 

• Eat Light!  Instead of hot foods, try lighter summer fare like salads and cold fruit or low fat dairy products. You also won't have that weighed down feeling after a heavy meal. As an added benefit, you won't have to cook next to a hot stove.

• Try eating hot foods or spicy foods. It's not a coincidence that many people in hotter regions of the world eat spicy food. Spicy (hot to the taste) food increases perspiration which cools the body as it evaporates. When I was in Panama they would give us hot horchata or a hot cornmeal drink (the consistency of porridge) in the middle of the heat and I would be so mad (partly because I was so hot) but it did the trick!

• Stock your freezer with flavored ice treats. Freeze a bag of chopped fruit such as watermelon, pineapple or lemons. I personally stock up on bomb pops (they are a tasty, retro, low calorie treat).

• Don't Use the Stove. Crock pots, electric griddles and outdoor grills will all put off less heat than your stove. If you can, cook ahead that way on those really hot days you can just warm your meal up in the microwave

• Use a hint of mint. Menthol in Mint triggers sensors in the body that cause you to feel cool. Besides tossing a few mint leaves in your drinks, put some mint in you ice cube trays. Use mint/menthol products to cool your skin such as peppermint lotion, peppermint soap, foot soak and powders. Mint refreshes the skin and leaves a nice cooling sensation.  

• Eat Garlic! It has anti-platelet effects, which reduce blood clotting, which can help those looking to decrease their body heat (Not ideal for someone to eat before heading into surgery). By increasing blood circulation, garlic allows the body to sweat and help the body cool down.

• Stay Hydrated! Cucumbers, Melons and Watermelons are jammed packed with water so eat up! You can also use the astringency of a cool cucumber on your eyes and face.