This summer has been one of the hottest on record, with heatwave conditions prevailing over large swathes of the U.S. All the talk of combating global warming is great, but even if some action is taken, it will be years before we can expect any relief from the searing heat, icy cold and intense rain. We will have to learn to live with extreme weather for the foreseeable future. One of the most difficult climatic conditions to live in is extreme heat. It impacts every aspect of our lives, affects our health, and makes getting anything done difficult. You can’t stay indoors with the AC on all the time. What you need to do is find methods to adapt and cope with the heat. There are various ways of doing this, but one of the easiest and most effective ways is to eat right.

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What Not to Eat

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A few simple dietary rules will help you fight the debilitating effects of a really hot summer.

• Avoid heavy meals as digesting heavy foods places a strain on the body which makes coping with the heat more difficult.
• Stay away from ice creams and cold sodas. They may provide temporary relief but do not boost your metabolism to maintain its ability to fight the heat.
• Avoid caffeine (this includes energy drinks) which is a diuretic that increases the amount of urine a person passes and by doing so, may cause dehydration.
• The same goes for alcohol which is another diuretic. Keep liquor consumption moderate.

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Also Read: Uncovering the Delights of Mediterranean Cuisine 

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What to Eat

Just as there are foods to avoid, there are also foods that will help you deal with the heat.

• Lots of fresh fruits can be consumed. Watermelons, oranges, and the like all have a high water content that your body needs in hot weather. These fruits also contain electrolytes that help restore the mineral balance of the body which is affected by sweating.
• Vegetables like cucumber which have a high water content and are rich in vitamin C are great for the heat.
• Greek yogurt cools the body and aids digestion.
• Cold soups are nourishing, and refreshing and help to keep you hydrated.
• Lean meats give you the protein you need without straining digestion.
• Berries are full of vitamins to boost your immune system and keep you healthy during a heatwave.

An easy way to eat right and fight the heat is to follow a Mediterranean diet. This cuisine is based on fresh ingredients, lots of fruits and vegetables, lean meats, legumes, and the use of healthy olive oil. The variety of dishes is vast and will appeal to all tastes and dietary preferences. To get started on this healthy way of eating, all you need to do is find a Mediterranean grocery store like Aladdin Gourmet in the San Francisco Bay Area. With the best of fresh produce, delectable staples like manakish or manakeesh and zatar bread, and a great deli, this store, and others like it where you live, make it so easy to eat right in the heat and to stay healthy all year round.

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