In the scorching summer heat, when you are sweating from head to toe, what are the foods that can help you in remaining cool and calm? Summer is the time when you should indulge in light foods, no deep fried or full of spice stuff that would make your heat laden body to work even more. You also need all the nutrients to keep yourself going, as exposure to sun can be exhausting. Best option is to consume a healthy balanced diet. Summer is the season of fruits and it is best to take advantage of best of the fruits that the summer season has to offer. Here we list best summer foods to keep you cool.
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Best Summer foods
Yogurt
Yogurt tops our list for best summer foods. It is full of proteins and nutrients and good for stomach because it adds a dose of probiotics, beneficial bacteria that keeps your digestive system running smoothly as well as skin. It is among the best summer foods. You can consume it as it is or use it as an appetizer or a snack. It looks look as a side with foods. If you can get your hands on fresh dairy yogurt curd, that is the best. Otherwise you can use the low fat yogurts or even Greek yogurt. It can be combined with fresh fruits, vegetables and salads. Here is a yogurt dish that is excellent light lunch. Fulfilling and light on stomach.
½ Cup Chickpeas
1 cucumber chopped
1 boiled potato cut in squares
1 cup yogurt
Mix all these ingredients together with your favorite seasonings and fruits and vegetables added.
Watermelons
One of the best delicacies that summer has to offer is the watermelons. It is full of water and will keep your body hydrated and active. Meeting the water requirements of the body in summers is sometimes a difficult task. That is why eating watermelons is also recommended by doctors and nutritionists. Water melons also contain lycopene which will protect your skin from sun damage.
To make a watermelon smoothie you will need Frozen watermelon, fresh lime or lemon juice, raspberry juice or strawberry juice, and mint. Blend it all together. It makes this the most refreshing smoothie, ever.
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Cucumbers
Cucumbers are light, good for skin and help in cooling off your body. They are a great help to all the weight watcher as they help in reducing weight also. You can eat them as is or after sprinkling a pinch of black pepper and salt on them. Cucumber water is one of the best detox that is available. Soak sliced cucumbers in water along with lemon slices and mint leaves to get a great summer drink.
Chia seeds
Chia seeds is a good source of vitamins and minerals. Besides the health benefits chia seeds can be used to make cold beverages. It can be added to coconut water, water melon juice or practically any other juice to get lots of nutritional value as well as a coolant for the body. The combination of yogurt, chia seeds, and cold water is great to drink in summer. It can be used as a topping in granola bars, smoothie, cereals and even bread.
Iced tea
Iced tea is a great drink to cool you off in the summers. It is good for health also and have all the traditional benefits of drinking tea. You can choose your favorite flavor induced tea. It gives a refreshing boost to your body.
Green tea
If you are okay to drink hot drinks in summer then do drink lots of green tea. Studies show that green tea helps in fighting cancer and heart diseases, lowering your cholesterol, reviving your metabolism and energizing your body on the whole. It is also available in many different varieties and tastes. You can choose your favorite one from the wide collection.
Oranges
Succulent, sweet and tasty, oranges are citrus fruits that help you keeping hydrated in summer. As oranges are 80 percent water so you can have this sweet treat without the fear of gaining weight. Having vitamin C, oranges are also good for keeping flu and cold away. Use oranges in juices and smoothies. Keep orange slices in small zip lock bags for quick snacks.
Celery
The list of uses and benefits of celery is very long. It is the best thing to have as a snack. With every meal keep a portion of cucumbers and celery as a side with you. You can also eat celery with a dash of peanut butter added on it or with garlic butter. Celery also helps in weight loss as it provides low calorie bulk of dietary fiber.
Honey Dew and Cantaloupe
These are again very succulent fruits and good to consume during summer. They are rich in fiber and help in body hydration. They are also diuretics, which are especially important for women because we’re so affected by hormonal changes.
Raspberries, blueberries and blackberries
These are very rich in fiber and very low in fats. It is the best snack for summers. Again the watery content helps in keeping the hydration level high. Sweet, juicy berries are filled with flavonoids, powerful disease fighters found in many fruits and vegetables. Among their other pros, they increase blood flow to skin and decrease sensitivity to light, which improves skin’s appearance, structure and texture. With more daylight hours and time spent in the sun, that’s key.
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All of these are among the best summer foods. They are less burden to the body as they are easily digestible and the water content helps in keeping your cool in the summer.
