| Keep
cool in the summer and stay hydrated with food that’s
better for you than popsicles, ice cream, and lemonade.
On
a regular day, we’re supposed to take in enough
water—through liquids and water-rich foods—that’s
the equivalent of ten 8 oz. glasses of water. In the
summer heat, you want to make sure you stay hydrated,
so you might need more, depending on your activity level.
Researchers
at the University of Missouri found good food sources
of water are apples, celery, cucumbers, grapefruit,
grapes, shellfish, and watermelon.
In addition, water, milk, juice, and lemonade can cool
you off; the only things to avoid in hot weather are
alcohol and beverages with caffeine.
Summer
fruits and vegetables, which grow quickly, as opposed
to winter foods such as squash that require a longer
growing period, are considered to be cooling foods.
Likewise, deep green, blue, and purple foods are thought
of as cooling foods in hot climates.
The
most important thing is to remember to stay hydrated
with the proper foods and drinks before you feel thirsty.
By the time you start feeling bad, you may already be
dehydrated.
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