Foods to Keep You Cool During a Hot Aussie Summer (and Perimenopause!)
If you’re navigating perimenopause and an Aussie summer, you’re probably familiar with the battle of the hot flushes and night sweats versus the summer heat. Staying cool becomes more than a weather concern—it’s a full-blown survival strategy. Luckily, the right foods can lend a hand in keeping you chill from the inside out. Let’s dig in.
The Cooling Heroes
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Cucumber It’s not just for eye masks and fancy water bottles. Cucumbers are about 95% water, making them a hydration powerhouse. Their cooling properties can help lower your core temperature, and they’re light enough not to weigh you down in the heat. Add them to salads, smoothies, or just munch them plain with a sprinkle of sea salt.
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Watermelon Juicy, refreshing, and full of electrolytes, watermelon is practically summer in fruit form. It’s also packed with lycopene, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties—a bonus for anyone dealing with perimenopausal inflammation. Slice it up, toss it in a salad, or freeze chunks for a frosty treat.
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Mint Mint’s cooling sensation isn’t just in your head. Menthol activates the body’s cold receptors, giving you an instant refresh. Toss mint leaves into iced water, brew it into a cold tea, or pair it with watermelon for a match made in summer heaven.
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Leafy Greens Spinach, kale, and lettuce are high in water content and packed with essential vitamins and minerals to keep your body balanced. Bonus: they’re low-maintenance, so you can whip up a salad without turning on the stove (because who wants more heat?).
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Coconut Water Nature’s electrolyte drink, coconut water is great for rehydrating after sweating it out in the sun (or during a hot flush). It replenishes potassium and magnesium levels, helping to calm your nervous system and regulate body temperature.
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Yoghurt A cool dollop of yoghurt can do wonders for both your body temperature and your gut health. Opt for unsweetened varieties for a refreshing snack or use it as a base for dips and smoothies.
Foods to Avoid
Not all foods are your friends in the summer heat. Spicy dishes, caffeine, and alcohol can all raise your body temperature and trigger hot flushes. While an iced coffee latte or chilled wine might feel like relief, they’re sneaky saboteurs when it comes to staying cool.
Bonus Tips to Beat the Heat
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Water is your best friend, but if plain H2O bores you, jazz it up with slices of cucumber, lemon, or a handful of berries.
- Freeze It: Turn your favourite fruits into popsicles or make ice cubes out of herbal tea for an easy cool-down.
- Timing Matters: Stick to lighter meals during the hottest part of the day. Your body generates heat as it digests, so heavy meals can leave you feeling sluggish and sweaty.
The SheBANG! Secret Weapon
Our superlattes are a game-changer when it comes to managing night sweats and hot flushes. Packed with ingredients like magnesium and collagen, they’re designed to support your body during perimenopause. Plus, they’re versatile—enjoy them hot for a divine morning ritual or iced for a refreshing summer treat. Stay cool and balanced, no matter the weather. You can peruse our night sweat busting lattes here
The Bottom Line
The Aussie summer and perimenopause are a fiery duo, but with the right foods, you can beat the heat and stay (relatively) chill. Focus on hydrating, cooling ingredients that work with your body, not against it. And if all else fails, there’s always the air-con and a tall glass of iced Peri Hot Choccy waiting for you.
Because let’s face it: surviving summer while navigating hormonal chaos is no small feat—but you’re a SheBANG! Woman, and you’ve got this.
