in the kitchen
in the kitchen
by BRANDI GIVENS
RD, CPT
I
THE BIG CHILL: KEEP COOL ON THE COURT
It’ s getting hot out there, but let’ s be honest: sweltering temperatures are no match for our pickleball addictions! For the love of the game, many of us are still dinking away in heat that would otherwise keep us inside. Yard work? No way. Tournament? Let’ s play!
All joking aside, exercising in extreme heat can be risky. The early stages of heat illness, or hyperthermia, can cause muscle cramps, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. When hyperthermia progresses to heat stroke, it can lead to brain damage and organ failure.
Here are some cool foodie suggestions that may help prevent overheating on the court.
Maintain Hydration
The human body uses sweat to regulate temperature when it’ s hot, and proper hydration is required to sweat efficiently. Some general guidelines for adults include:
• Make a habit of keeping electrolyte-rich foods in your diet like almonds, avocados, bananas, beans, broccoli, dairy, dried apricots, kale, oranges, peanuts, prunes, pumpkin seeds, spinach, tofu, and watermelon.
• Drink 12-24 oz. of water 2-4 hours prior to an event’ s start time.
• Drink 8 oz. of water or sports drink about 20 minutes before you play.
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