A couple of years ago, some of us could still be skeptical about global warming. We heard the warnings, yet didn’t see the evidence ourselves, or, at least, the evidence wasn’t that convincing. The heat of summer 2024 is breaking global records. Next year may be even hotter, which means we must adapt somehow. And one way we could do that is by adapting our menus.
What To Eat & Drink When It’s Blazing Hot: 6 Ideas
1. Water
Okay, this one seems too obvious and yet, it’s just too important to overlook. The thing is that our bodies lose a lot of water through sweat when it’s hot. You can compensate for this shortage either with plain or infused water. Both options help regulate your body temperature and organs’ functioning. Normal water intake helps to prevent headaches, fatigue, and even heatstroke.
2. Lemonade (and Other Non-Alcoholic Drinks)
First of all, there’s classic lemonade. Here, we combine the tartness of lemons and lots of ice. But this isn’t the only option. Non-alcoholic drinks can be super varied:
- iced teas
- herbal infusions
- mood-boosting thc drinks and seltzers
- flavored waters.
Of course, it’s best to prepare these without sugar (honey or agave syrup may replace it). You can store such drinks in the fridge for a couple of days.
3. Fruit Salads
Fruit salads are, above all else, tasty. Plus, they contain enough water and essential vitamins. For example, watermelon, strawberries, and cucumbers all contain water and antioxidants. A salad with them can thus help to replenish lost fluids.
Quick tips:
- choose water-rich fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, and citrus fruits
- add lime juice and mint
- try a cucumber and melon salad with salt and chili powder.
These ideas can help you to keep your fruit salad menu more or less varied.
4. Cooling Herbs
Herbs — at least, some of them — may be cooling. Good examples, in this regard, are mint, basil, and cilantro. They are very refreshing and flavorful. They also help soothe the digestive system.
Quick tips:
- add fresh mint leaves to salads, beverages, or as a garnish for desserts
- steep fresh mint leaves in hot water and then chill it for a cool drink
- try a watermelon and basil salad with balsamic vinegar
- use cilantro to cool down spicy foods.
5. Green Tea
Intuitively, it seems to be a poor idea to drink tea when it’s blazing hot. At least, that’s not what you want to drink. But it largely depends on tea. Green tea, for instance, may be as cooling as those lemonades we discussed above. It
- contains antioxidants
- helps your body regulate its temperature
- can be enjoyed cold, too.
When consumed hot, green tea promotes sweating, which cools the body naturally. When consumed cold, it’s a refreshing way to stay hydrated.
Quick tips:
- brew a pot of green tea, let it cool, and then serve it over ice with lemon and mint
- try matcha (a powdered form of green tea that can be whisked into cold water or milk)
- infuse green tea with peach or mango for a sweet flavor.
6. Cold Soups
Finally, there are awesome cold soups such as gazpacho or cucumber soup. These soups are made with fresh vegetables and herbs. They’re easy to make ahead and serve chilled.
Cold soups are likewise packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables used in them. They’re light on the stomach, which is particularly important during hot weather.
Quick tips:
- make a classic gazpacho with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, garlic, and olive oil
- a cucumber and yogurt soup with dill and garlic is a more creamy option
- make your cool soup in advance and keep it in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
Eating and drinking right is one of the ways we can adapt to climate change. The key idea is to choose meals that are hydrating and, meanwhile, full of vitamins. You can experiment with the ideas discussed above and adjust them as necessary to create a healthy summer menu you’ll enjoy.
