Are you staying COOL this summer??

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer and staying cool!!

Not only do I keep Carolina Shingle followers abreast of the latest roofing news, but I also have a keen interest in nutrition and how the body works.  So, today, I thought I would be share a little about what I have learned about nutrition.

We all love summer, except when it gets SO hot you almost can't breathe.  Why is it is so difficult for us to handle the heat?  There are a multitude of reasons BUT there is something we can do to help.

Raw fruits and vegetables are recognized as "cooling" foods.  These are light on calories, meaning they add less "energy" for our bodies to have to work to burn off, and they are full of water to keep us hydrated.  The more we nosh on these, the more we can help our bodies deal with the heat.

Heavy, calorie dense foods, such as burgers, pizza, and ice cream, give us more "energy" that we have to burn to maintain balance.  The extra energy we have to put into burning off these calories, the more heat we feel in our body.

Ideal fresh foods to eat in the heat of the summer are:

• citrus fruits
• cucumbers
• tomatoes
• peppers
• pineapple
• spinach
• berries
• grapes
• watermelon

Increase your consumption of raw fruits and vegetables to 40% of your diet for one week and see how you feel in the heat.  It's AMAZING how fast it works!!  Note:  If you work in an air conditioned space during your days, prepare to bring a jacket or sweater to keep you warm!