5 HOT tips to help you stay COOL!

Its HOT, HOT,HOT!!!  
There is a Heat Advisory today!  It's going to feel like 100+ degrees!

1)   Stay Hydrated! Drinking water is great, and you should aim to drink ½ of your body weight in ounces of water.
(200lb person = 100 oz. of water per day) 

Avoid alcohol, sugary drinks, and drinks with caffeine as these can dehydrate you further and increase the metabolic heat in your core while your body breaks them down.

) Choose Foods that have a high water content! There is nothing like a big, juicy slice of watermelon on a hot summer day! Cucumber, melon, celery, and other foods with high water content are better on hot summer days than foods high in protein. 

Try drinking water flavored with fresh mint and cucumber as a refreshing drink that will cool you from the inside out!

3)   Eat spicy food! While this may seem counterintuitive, spicy foods activate heat receptors in the mouth that produce sweating, which naturally cools the body. Try a fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and jalapeños. If you really want to kick up the heat, add a bit of habanero or ghost pepper to your salsa!

4)   Eat small meals more often. Large meals take more energy to digest and raise your internal core temperature as blood is diverted to your gut.  Snack on fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the day. Refer to #2 and #3 for some simple snack ideas!

5)   Run your wrists under cool water or soak your feet and ankles. Major veins run through these areas and can temporarily cool the blood.  It can also help to reduce uncomfortable swelling that can occur in the feet and hands on hot days leading to numbness and tingling.

Stay cool and safe today!