10 Delicious Summer Food Ideas That Will Help Keep You Cool
Summer is around the corner and I know when the temp rises you’re going to want to pick up that iced coffee or that cold beer. Hey, me too. But what if I told you that beverage was actually going to make you hotter. Mind blown? Let me explain. Caffeine is a diuretic, which makes our body heat up because of the loss of fluids. As for alcohol, sure it’s ice cold and delicious, but it actually makes our skin warm up and our bodies flush. However, there’s no need to fear the heat, because these summer food ideas will help keep you cool as a cucumber this hot season.
1. Cucumber
Cucumbers have such a high water content that they’ll keep the body hydrated and help flush away nasty toxins. This summer food is guaranteed to keep you cool. Try them sliced up with a bit of salt and pepper or chuck them in some water for a refreshing, detoxifying drink. Yum!
2. Watermelon
If you couldn’t tell from the name, watermelon is mostly water, making it a cool and hydrating snack for summer. Try making a watermelon sorbet or eat as is, a slice of watermelon is a perfect summer food choice and will help bring your body temp down in the scorching heat.
3. Iced Tea
Are you a coffee addict? I definitely used to be. I know what it’s like to just need that morning pick me up or that bitter but sweet taste, I know. However, coffee is a big no-no if you’re trying to cool off. Yes, even iced coffee. If you absolutely can’t live without your caffeine, opt for an iced tea instead. Yes, there’s still caffeine so it’s not the greatest choice to cool you down, but there’s typically a lot less caffeine in an iced tea than an iced coffee.
4. Mint
That’s right, if you want summer food to help keep you cool, put mint on your next shopping list. The menthol in mint leaves will help your body feel cool and calm this summer. You can put it in your water for a refreshing drink, or use it as a salad garnish.
5. Yoghurt
Froyo anyone? Whether it’s frozen, refrigerated, Greek, regular, Yoplait or Chobani, yoghurt will certainly help you cool off this summer. Even better, it’s healthy and filling. Make a breakfast parfait with some yoghurt and fresh berries or whip up some Greek yoghurt dip for your crackers, delicious!
6. Coconut Water
Add some coconut water to your smoothies and you won’t be disappointed, coconut is the perfect summer food to help keep you cool. Full of potassium, coconut water will keep you hydrated and can even help our bodies fight off heatstroke.
7. Citrus Fruits
Grapefruits, oranges, lemons, limes, any citrus fruits you can get your hands on is a great way to ward off the heat this summer. Citrus fruits are a perfect summer food that’ll keep your body cool.
8. Peaches
Peaches are another fruit that can help cool the body’s core temperature. Grab some of this refreshing summer food and stay peachy.
9. Greens
Eat your greens! No, seriously, eat your greens and you will avoid the nasty hot flushes of the summer heat. Greens like spinach and arugula are the perfect summer food to keep cool, so chuck a handful in your smoothies or make a big, leafy green salad.
10. Chillies
Say what? Yep, chillies may be hot but they actually help you cool off believe it or not. Eating chillies can make our bodies sweat, which regulates our body temperature to cool down. Crazy!
