Food and drink

"Fluid intake should undoubtedly be increased in hot weather," says Marylisa Brown at The Food Doctor, but avoid caffeine and alcohol, both of which are diuretics and dehydrate the body rather than replenish.

Pass on fizzy drinks, too. They're loaded with sugar, therefore calories, and leach the body of mineral content." The drink of choice should be still water. Surprisingly, hot drinks can also cool you down. They can induce sweating, which is useful if you are overheating. Herbal teas, especially peppermint tea, are recommended.

Eat Cool:

"Avoid foods that are high in protein. These increase your metabolic rate, put pressure on your digestive system and ultimately leave you feeling heated and sluggish," says Marylisa.

"Ideally, prepare small snacks and eat often throughout the day. Hot weather is the best time to up your intake of fresh fruit (grapes, peaches and watermelon are good choices) and raw vegetables, especially cucumber. These foods have a high water content to aid rehydration. Avoid crisps and other such snacks that have a high salt content and leave you feeling parched."