The middle of summer welcomes the dog days of summer, and although a hot summer day can be enjoyable, heat indexes, higher temperatures, and increasing humidity levels can leave us searching for ways to beat the heat. One of the best ways to stay cool is by staying well hydrated, but you can also beat the heat through food. Here are some cooling foods that can help you stay cool and hydrated throughout the entire summer season, whether your summer involves globetrotting or an array of summertime activities.
#1 Alkaline Foods
According to Ayurvedic practices, certain foods should be enjoyed during each season. In Ayurvedic tradition, it’s not a food’s temperature that makes it cool, but rather its innate qualities. Each food is classified according to its energy and effects on the body. For instance, during the fall season, we should focus on eating grounding foods to center our energy as the seasons change from the busy summer months to the slower pace of fall, but in summertime, we should shift our focus to more alkaline foods. Photo credit:
DenisMArt
Alkaline foods contain yin energy and can potentially create a more cooling effect on the body. Some alkaline foods include fresh blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Enjoy them on their own or add a handful to your morning bowl of chia seed pudding, overnight oats, or summertime smoothie. Photo credit:
#2 Beverages and Foods Naturally High in Electrolytes
During the dog days of summer, our body naturally stays cool by sweating, but when we sweat, we lose electrolytes, so it is important to replenish with beverages and foods that are naturally high in electrolytes. Some good options that contain electrolytes include bananas, coconut water, kale, lime, and spinach. Photo credit: wmaster890
There are plenty of delicious ways to incorporate these foods into summertime recipes, too. Add a banana and a splash of coconut water to your morning smoothie, enjoy a lunchtime kale and spinach salad, and squeeze fresh lime juice over homemade fish tacos.
Tip: Try pairing fresh strawberries, an alkaline food, with a banana, which is high in electrolytes, with a handful of Scrumptious Strawberry Banana. You can also grab some cranberries and enjoy them with a bag of Luscious Cranberry Coconut.
#3 Water-Based Foods
During the hot summer months, it may seem logical to cool down with cold foods like ice cream sandwiches or popsicles, but remember, according to Ayurveda tradition, it’s not a food’s temperature that makes it cooling, but rather its natural qualities and their effect on the body. Photo credit: pilipphoto
Instead of focusing on foods that are cold in temperature, shift your palette to water-based foods that can help cool and hydrate. Some water-based foods include:
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Avocado
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Berries
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Celery
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Coconut
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Cucumber
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Dark leafy greens like kale and spinach, which are also high in electrolytes
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Melons
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Romaine lettuce
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Seaweed
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Watermelon
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Zucchini
Get creative with water-based foods and make a delicious batch of homemade guacamole from fresh avocados, enjoy a bowl of fresh mixed berries and melons, or grab a prepared seaweed salad from your favorite local grocer. Yum!
If you want to create a cooling foods summertime picnic, make sure your picnic basket is filled with these foods and snacks. You can also incorporate these foods into delicious summertime recipes like fresh sandwiches and wraps, handmade pasta salads and salads, and homemade dips. Don’t forget a fruit salad or smoothie for dessert.
Don’t let the summer heat and humidity keep you indoors. Instead, cool down with these three types of cooling foods and stay cool all summer long.
Note: Coconut water photo credit: pilipphoto
Cucumber photo credit: Narong KHUEANKAEW
- Stay Healthy and Happy
Check out @mostlyplantbasedfoods or view our CEO at @itsnolasnacks as she shares recipes via video each month on It’s Nola Reels. Do not worry, even if you are not Vegan, you will still enjoy these dishes.
Tag us @itsnolasnacks so we can see how you stay cool during the hot summer months with your favorite It’s NOLA recipes and snacks.
