Stay Cool this Summer — downward fox

It’s an exceptionally hot summer in the UK this year, with temperatures rising above 30 degrees Celsius! It’s a nice break from the rain and on most days - like a dream come true. The weekends are perfect to relax in the park, by the river, or travel to the seaside, making it feel like you’re on holiday. Unfortunately, once the weekend is over and you start a busy working week, rushing through the crowded streets, getting on and off the hot and sweaty underground...there might be moments when it just seems a bit too much.

It’s really important to keep your body in top form in this heat and make sure you are hydrating. I always carry a bottle of water, drinking and filling up as I go. But once the busy day is over, it's great to finally sit back and relax on your balcony with a super refreshing drink in your hand. I prepared 3 healthy and delicious recipes that will cool you down and help you stay hydrated this summer.

Cold brewed tea

I have always been a tea lover and couldn’t live without it, but it’s the first time I tried cold brewed tea. You can buy a special bottle with a filter, it makes the whole process fuss-free and is lovely to serve with dinner. If you don’t have one, don’t worry, as you can also manage without it, use a pitcher and later strain the loose tea leaves before serving.

RECIPE: Put 7 teaspoons of your favourite tea or infusion into the bottle, add 0,7 litres of cold filtered water. Close the bottle, shake well and store in fridge for 3-6 hours. Shake again before serving. I am experimenting with many different flavours, green tea, white tea and fruit infusions. You can use any tea you like. It's perfect to cool down, has no extra calories and is absolutely delicious!

Home-made lemonade

Lemonade is always a great option to beat the heat, but often is too sweet and not very healthy with all that extra sugar. I prepare a simple lemonade with just a hint of sweetness.

RECIPE: Squeeze 4 limes, 3 lemons, add 1 litre of cold filtered water. Add 2 sliced lemons, 1 sliced lime, fresh mint, 1 tablespoon of agave syrup and top off with ice cubes. Store in fridge before serving.

Flavoured water

If you are not a fan of plain water, this is a great option. Quick and easy to prepare and perfect to take with you for a long day. I don't add any sweeteners, just fresh fruits and veggies!

RECIPE: I prepared 3 different flavours today, but it's great to experiment with the ingredients you have in your fridge. Prepare in a pitcher, glass or take-away bottle. Use cold filtered water and top off with ice cubes. Store in fridge for a more intense flavour or serve straight away.

Verry Berry - add fresh blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, fresh mint leaves and slice of lemon.
Ginger & Lemon - add sliced lemon, sliced fresh ginger and fresh mint leaves.
Cucumber & Mint - add sliced cucumber, lemon and fresh mint.