During the hot summer season, maintaining good living habits is especially important for staying healthy. Firstly, pay attention to hydration because the body tends to sweat easily in hot weather, so it’s important to drink water frequently and avoid waiting until feeling thirsty to drink. Additionally, you can drink cool beverages such as mung bean soup and chrysanthemum tea to help cool down the body. When it comes to diet, focus on light and fresh foods, such as fresh vegetables and fruits, which not only provide necessary nutrients but also help to relieve heat.
Furthermore, it is crucial to have a proper daily routine. Try to avoid outdoor activities during the hottest period from noon to afternoon, and choose cooler times in the morning or evening for exercise, such as walking or yoga. Indoors, maintain good ventilation, use air conditioning appropriately to adjust room temperature, but avoid direct exposure to cold air to prevent discomfort. By making these simple lifestyle adjustments, we can better adapt to the high temperatures during the summer season and enjoy a comfortable and healthy summer. Remember, in terms of diet, in the hot summer, “eat cool, not cold”! Suggestions: Eat less watermelon, more vegetables, stay cool without getting heaty!
“Eat less watermelon”
1: Watermelon – Watermelon contains a lot of water and natural sugars, which can quickly hydrate the body; however, excessive consumption may lead to too much internal moisture and affect the normal functioning of the spleen and stomach. Especially in a damp season like the hot summer, overeating watermelon may increase body moisture and make the body feel heavy and tired. Therefore, controlling the intake of watermelon moderately helps maintain the body’s balance.
2: Bitter Gourd – Although bitter gourd has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, it is cold in nature. For some people, during the hot summer with high temperatures, excessive consumption of bitter gourd may aggravate the internal cold condition and impact the digestion and absorption functions of the spleen and stomach. Particularly for those who are sensitive to cold or have a cold constitution, it is important to be cautious. Eating moderate amounts of other mild-natured foods, such as winter melon and luffa, can help cool down the body without burdening it further.
“Eat more vegetables”
1: Winter Melon – Winter melon has a sweet and mild flavor, with excellent diuretic properties that help eliminate excess body water and alleviate discomfort caused by high temperatures. It is also rich in various vitamins and minerals, providing essential nutritional support to the body. Making winter melon soup or stir-fried winter melon are very refreshing choices.
Shrimp and Winter Melon Soup
Fresh shrimp 500g; Winter melon, about 500g; Ginger; Cilantro; Salt; Water;
Clean the fresh shrimp, remove the heads, shells, and veins, and rinse thoroughly with water. Peel and deseed the winter melon, then slice it thinly or into chunks. Slice the ginger, cut the cilantro into sections, and set aside.
Heat some oil in a pot, stir-fry the ginger slices until fragrant. Add the prepared shrimp and stir-fry until they change color. Add enough water (adjust according to personal preference) and bring to a boil. Once the water boils, add the sliced winter melon.
Continue cooking until the winter melon softens, skimming off any foam as needed. Season with salt to taste. Finally, garnish with cilantro sections and remove from heat.
2: Luffa – Luffa not only has a fresh and tender texture but also has a sweet and cool flavor, making it an ideal ingredient for summer. Its rich fiber content helps promote intestinal motility and improve digestive function. Luffa can also clear heat and cool down the body. Pairing it with eggs or shrimp to make stir-fried luffa with eggs or luffa soup results in delicious dishes that help lower body temperature.
Stir-Fried Luffa with Eggs
Luffa 2 pieces; Eggs 3-4; Garlic cloves; Salt; Huangjiu (yellow wine); Scallions; Rapeseed oil;
Peel and slice the luffa into chunks or slices.
Crack the eggs into a bowl, add a bit of salt, a spoonful of Huangjiu for flavor (if desired), and beat well with chopsticks.
Crush and mince the garlic, and chop the scallions.
Heat some oil in a wok, pour in the beaten eggs, gently stir-fry until the eggs start to solidify, then remove and set aside when completely cooked.
Add a bit more oil to the wok, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the luffa chunks and stir-fry quickly until they become soft. Season with salt to taste, then continue to stir-fry evenly.
Once the luffa reaches the desired tenderness, return the cooked eggs to the wok. Quickly stir-fry to mix the eggs and luffa thoroughly. Adjust salt to taste if necessary, then transfer to a plate.
3: Lotus Root – Lotus root is a highly nutritious ingredient rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and various trace elements. It has a sweet and neutral taste, nourishing the spleen and stomach while also clearing heat and producing body fluids. Whether eaten cold in salads or made into lotus root and pork rib soup, it helps the body cope with the challenges brought by high temperatures, making people feel more comfortable.
Lotus Root and Pork Rib Soup
Pork ribs 500g; Lotus root 1 section; Carrot half; Corn 1 piece; Ginger 3-4 slices; Spring onion 1 stalk; Cooking wine; Salt;
Cut the pork ribs into small pieces, soak in water for a while to remove blood. In a pot, add water, pork ribs, a few slices of ginger, and a little cooking wine. Boil over high heat, skim off any foam, then remove and rinse the pork ribs.
Peel and slice the lotus root into thick pieces or chunks, peel and slice the carrot, and cut the corn into sections.
Add enough water to the pot, then add the pork ribs, lotus root, carrot, corn, and ginger slices. Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for about 1-2 hours until the pork ribs and lotus root are tender.
Before serving, season with salt to taste. Let the soup cool slightly, sprinkle with chopped spring onions, and serve.
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