Stay Cool This Summer with These Cool Down Foods (and Foods to Avoid)

In the hot weather months a pot roast or shepherds pie just doesn't sound that good. When it's hot I crave thing's that can cool me down and not weigh me down. I have found some foods that are actually good for you to eat and some that you should avoid, check it out.

BEST FOODS TO EAT IN THE HEAT:

• Bananas
• Beans
• Lentils
• Cucumbers
• Melons
• Spinach
• Kale
• Broccoli
• Barley
• Quinoa

WORST FOODS TO EAT:

• Spicy Foods (not wimpy spice, big time burn spice)
• Mangoes
• Artichokes
• Asparagus
• Protein (don't avoid meat, just take it easy)

The foods that will keep you cool have a variety of reasons why they help. Astringent foods like bananas increase the body's water consumption. Water Rich foods like cucumbers will help keep your body temp lower. Green Leafy Vegetables like Kale help to regulate your inner temperature. And Whole-Grains like Quinoa are packed with Magnesium, nature's tranquilizer.

The foods that you should avoid are fairly simple in reason, they suck the water right out of you. Spicy foods make it hard to keep your internal temp regulated, even if for a little bit when it's 95 degrees and more every little bit helps. Mangoes deplete your water and when its hot you need to maintain your water levels. And Proteins take 50-100% more energy to break down than carbohydrates. Your body needs energy to maintain healthy levels of water and to combat the heat, too much protein takes away from the body's efforts to do that.

Be wise and healthy this summer and have fun!