Beat the Heat: Smart Food Choices to Stay Cool and Energized During a Heatwave

During intense heatwaves, strategic food choices are crucial for maintaining health and energy. Focus on hydrating, light, and easily digestible foods to regulate body temperature and prevent fatigue. * **Hydrating Foods:** Water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, tomatoes, and leafy greens aid natural hydration. * **Cooling Drinks:** Yogurt, buttermilk, and lassi offer cooling effects for the gut. Coconut water, aam panna, and barley water replenish electrolytes. * **Cooling Herbs and Spices:** Coriander, fennel, and basil provide natural cooling properties when added to meals and drinks. * **Traditional Staples:** Sattu and barley mixed with water, lemon, and salt offer hydration, fullness, and energy without raising body temperature. Avoid oily and fried foods, excessive spices, red meat, caffeine, alcohol, sugary drinks, and high-sodium foods to prevent increased internal temperature and dehydration. Eating right supports energy and cognition during extreme heat.