Refreshing Summer Foods to Cool Off With
Summer is here, along with long days and lots of fun outdoors, but beating the heat is essential to making the most of the all too brief season. One of the best ways to stay cool on a hot day is by eating the right kinds of food. Whether it’s fresh fruit to keep you hydrated or surprising ingredients that help you stay cool naturally, we’ve rounded up all the best summer foods to cool off with.
Cucumbers
There’s a good reason why the expression “cool as a cucumber” exists. Not only are cucumbers a great source of water, but they add a cool burst of flavour when you’re in the mood for a snack on a hot day.
Try cucumber slices on their own or dip them in hummus for a more filling treat. Another great idea is to slice the cucumber ahead of time and keep it in a bowl partly filled with water.
Watermelon
Watermelon comes into its own right when summer is at its hottest. Watermelons are, of course, great for keeping you hydrated, but the zestful flavour adds a powerful punch that you won’t find in plain old water.
Peaches
Another summer favourite is peaches. Not only are they juicy and packed with flavour during the summer, but they also contain lots of Vitamin A and C, essential ingredients for keeping your skin healthy. Oh, and at just 50 calories per peach, you can’t ask for a better low-calorie dessert.
Avocado
You may be surprised to see avocados on this list, but this wonder food has lots of monounsaturated fatty acids, the good kind of fat that keeps you healthy. Avocados are also easily digested, meaning they’ll keep your digestive system from revving up and causing you to feel hot.
Bananas
Bananas are an unusual fruit as they have an astringent quality, meaning they cause tissues to shrink. This helps your body stay hydrated, allowing you to feel cooler. For an icy cold treat, slice bananas and place on waxed paper before popping them in the freezer.
Berries
Many berries are classified as superfoods, incredibly high in important phytochemicals that your body needs. Whether it’s raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, gooseberries, or black currants, these tiny fruits make for a perfect snack on a hot summer day.
Try mixing frozen berries with bananas for an ultra delicious smoothie.
Leafy Greens
Yes, yes, everyone knows that leafy greens like kale, collard greens, and salad greens are some of the healthiest foods you can eat, but many people don’t know that they’re very easy to digest, giving your body a way to get energized without straining your metabolism on a hot day.
Lemons, Limes, and Oranges
Three delicious citrus fruits, and three great ways to stay hydrated. All three can be squeezed for their juice or turned into a pitcher of cold drinks. For an extra delicious twist, try one part lemon/lime with two parts orange juice and then add in a handful of berries for a super refreshing drink with a fruity kick.
Melons
Whether you’re talking about honeydew or cantaloupe, melons are more than 95% water, making them a delicious option when you’re trying to stay hydrated. Add in some essential trace elements and lots of vitamins, and melons are a gold medal winner in the summertime.
Mint
The word mint is practically a synonym for “cool,” and there’s good reason for that. The natural oils in mint leave a cool and refreshing feeling in your mouth. Try adding mint to your favourite cold drinks like lemonade or make it into a “tea” by pouring hot water on a handful of mint leaves, a classic beverage from Northern Africa where it’s hot all year long.
When the days are long and the temperatures are high, it’s essential to maintain proper hydration. Choose light and refreshing foods like fruits and vegetables to keep you going on a hot day.
