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Keeping Cool Without AC- Part 3

 


The news is full of headlines indicating that energy shortages are on the horizon for most of the world. Over the decades, we have become reliant on the coolness of our air conditioners and have forgotten how we survived without them. It is now time to rediscover how to stay cool without our AC. Our 5 part series provides ideas on how to beat the heat this summer without the AC.    


You Are What you Eat

During the summer months, I try to cook outside or batch cook during the early morning or late evening hours. Grilling outside and cooking enough protein for at least 2 meals will help to reduce the heat in the house.   


Eating chewing peppermint helps to open up the airways thus producing a cooling effect. Sometimes, I use essential oils and diffuse them into the air to open up my airways in the summer. In addition, if you eat spicy foods, the capsaicin in these foods will cause you to sweat. Since sweating is a natural cooling mechanism, your body will cool down.    


Finally making and eating all kinds of frozen foods helps to create a cooling effect. I will freeze grapes and blueberries then eat a few at a time to create a cooling sensation. We make smoothies, ice cream, and popsicles in the summertime to enjoy in the evening.   


Series:  If you missed a post they are linked below 

  1. Dress for the Heat

  1. Water to the Rescue

          


Pick an idea or two and leave a comment below on how it went.


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