With temperatures reaching upwards of 37 degree Celsius without the humidex and our lack of rain over the last few weeks, it's starting to look like some sort of desert landscape around here. Grassy areas can hardly be described as such when there is no green in sight, water levels are low, the dirt is so dry it's practically dust, and the produce growth is suffering as a result. Even the rabbits outside our house have been taking to lounging in the shade.
My hunny and I were lucky enough to have spent the better part of last week up at his family's trailer where beating the heat was as simple a task as walking to the lake or pool and we were graced with a good hard rain our first night there. I also always rest easy in the fact that hydration during these times does not always come from the consumption of water. Knowing that I can keep my water levels at bay through the consumption of foods like watermelon, which we basically ate our weight in this past week, as well as plenty of roadside cucumbers, summer squash and zucchini. Your body also has the ability to absorb up to one liter of water when exposed to it for a length of time equal to a short shower. This means the more time spent in the lake, the more hydrated you will be! It's a complete win-win in my opinion.
After a week in our glorious paradise with good food, lots of family time, lake solitude and ending with a marriage celebration in Niagara Falls, we have returned home where unfortunately we were not so lucky in the rain department where I was told barely a drop fell. The temperature has barely fallen below twenty Celsius at night, making the humidity hover at all hours of the day.
With all of these contributing factors, keeping yourself hydrated is of upmost importance this time of year. Ensuring enough fluids are being consumed, exercise being kept to a minimum during peak heat hours, and eating plenty of cool, raw and/or fresh produce is key.
The other day I bought what looked exactly like a cantaloupe from the cantaloupe section but when I cut into this beauty a few hours later, to my surprise it was a honeydew! Imagine my shock while being already fuzzy from the amount of humidity impeding my brain but it mattered not because honeydew is still tasty and wonderful. This then lead to the next morning when the temperature called for a frothy, green smoothie. This smoothie was so refreshing and most importantly, simple.
My hunny and I were lucky enough to have spent the better part of last week up at his family's trailer where beating the heat was as simple a task as walking to the lake or pool and we were graced with a good hard rain our first night there. I also always rest easy in the fact that hydration during these times does not always come from the consumption of water. Knowing that I can keep my water levels at bay through the consumption of foods like watermelon, which we basically ate our weight in this past week, as well as plenty of roadside cucumbers, summer squash and zucchini. Your body also has the ability to absorb up to one liter of water when exposed to it for a length of time equal to a short shower. This means the more time spent in the lake, the more hydrated you will be! It's a complete win-win in my opinion.
After a week in our glorious paradise with good food, lots of family time, lake solitude and ending with a marriage celebration in Niagara Falls, we have returned home where unfortunately we were not so lucky in the rain department where I was told barely a drop fell. The temperature has barely fallen below twenty Celsius at night, making the humidity hover at all hours of the day.
With all of these contributing factors, keeping yourself hydrated is of upmost importance this time of year. Ensuring enough fluids are being consumed, exercise being kept to a minimum during peak heat hours, and eating plenty of cool, raw and/or fresh produce is key.
The other day I bought what looked exactly like a cantaloupe from the cantaloupe section but when I cut into this beauty a few hours later, to my surprise it was a honeydew! Imagine my shock while being already fuzzy from the amount of humidity impeding my brain but it mattered not because honeydew is still tasty and wonderful. This then lead to the next morning when the temperature called for a frothy, green smoothie. This smoothie was so refreshing and most importantly, simple.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup frozen honeydew melon
2 bananas
1 cup ice
1/2 fresh lime juice
That's it! It was so refreshing and light which is exactly how a hot humid day should be combatted first thing in the morning. I hope you all enjoy and instead of wishing away this crazy heat, embrace it - make a smoothie and eat with joy.