Since the beginning of the week, France has been hit by a new heat wave. Faced with these scorching temperatures, it is first essential to think about hydration. It is also possible to refresh yourself with our plates, by choosing the right ingredients.
When the mercury rises, the appetite is less important. No question, however, of skipping certain meals, continue to eat a balanced diet to meet the needs of our body. Vegetables, fruits, proteins and starches must then be on the menu, just like salt, in reasonable quantities. Contrary to popular belief, the latter even has an important role during the heat wave since it encourages you to hydrate yourself by making you thirsty and helps to reintroduce nutrients lost during sweating.
If sauerkraut or cassoulet don’t really inspire you at the moment, that’s good, the star foods of the heat wave remain fresh fruits and vegetables because they are rich in water and fiber. However, don’t just eat raw vegetables, which in the long run may cause transit problems. You can then incorporate previously cooked vegetables into your salads, eggplant or green beans for example. Cucumber, melon, tomato, strawberries… Watermelon remains the most hydrating fruit, however..
Avoid sugary drinks
To quench your thirst and refresh yourself, nothing better than water. During a heat wave, it is recommended to drink a minimum of 1.5 liters, a maximum of 2.5 liters, per day, said civil security spokesman Alexandre Jouassard on RTL last month. Sugary drinks should be avoided as they stimulate thirst, as should drinks that are too cold, which can cause stomach discomfort.
For a little more originality, you can exchange your glass of still water for a glass of sparkling water or coconut water. Another possibility is to make your own flavored water, in particular that offered by Cyril Lignac on RTL. Paradoxically, hot drinks are also recommended, because they allow better hydration and refresh better. Favor then non-diuretics, under penalty of obtaining the opposite effect.
On the other hand, if a good cold beer or a colorful cocktail catches your eye, beware: “Alcohol dehydrates, it’s scientifically proven”, also explained Alexandre Jouassard.
.
