Soothing summer foods to cool you off

It’s that time of year where we brace ourselves for sun-drenched days and the summer heat. Aside from wearing less clothing, cranking up the air-conditioning, and staying in the pool (or at the beach), what else can you do to keep cool this summer?

One method is to be careful as you select what you eat in summer months so as to help soothe you from the inside out, leaving you feeling cooler and more refreshed. Keeping yourself balanced is the best way to make these hot, sticky months more enjoyable with family and friends. Here are some options to make summer more bearable through your food choices.

Watermelon

Watermelon is by far the ultimate summer fruit. Chill it in the fridge and slice it, juice it, scoop into balls, or use a cookie cutter to create fun-shaped pieces. Any way you cut it, it’s a sweet treat and a guiltless indulgence!

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are incredibly soothing to the body, from the inside out. Make a cucumber salad with ginger, sesame seeds, and soy sauce for an Asian twist. Save two circles of cucumber slices and put them over your eyes for 10 to 15 minutes for another great summer-time cool-down.

Berries

Berries are the perfect summer treat. Our bodies crave the sweetness of berries as well as the cooling effect that every bite brings. Strawberries and blueberries make for an excellent dessert. To enjoy them even more, scoop out a cantaloupe or honeydew melon and then refill it with the scooped melon balls and a mixture of berries.

Bitter foods

Body balance is vital if you want to stay refreshed, hydrated, and healthy. Bitter foods help a lot in that regard, especially when summer heat is at its peak. Make sure you’re eating enough leafy greens, asparagus, celery, and other veggies. Aloe is another item that you should be working into your diet. I’m sure you’ve heard that aloe calms the skin after a sunburn, but did you know it can soothe you internally as well? Look for natural aloe drinks in your supermarket (or make your own), and you’ll be hooked on this refreshing, cooling beverage!

Detoxifying beverages

If we’re not careful about what we consume in the summer, we can create a poor environment for our bodies. We don’t want more impurities to make their way into our bodies via food-related illnesses and lack of proper hydration. So, drink more black tea, zest up some lemons and limes and add them to your water or your veggies, and drink fresh cranberry juice. Each of these beverages is a powerful cleanser.

Try these raw and delicious summer recipes

Watermelon bruschetta

2 cups watermelon, diced
3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
6-8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
Optional: feta cheese or dairy-free alternative
Freshly cracked black pepper

Combine all liquid ingredients and stir together. Stir in remaining ingredients until blended together evenly. For a bread-free option, use cucumber slices as your base and enjoy your watermelon bruschetta with zero guilt.

Pesto zucchini pasta

2 zucchini, spiralized
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1/3 cup pesto

This recipe is so easy that it’ll undoubtedly become one of your staples. All you have to do is spiralize your zucchini, combine the avocado oil with the pesto, and stir. Pour the pesto/avocado oil mixture over the zucchini noodles and stir until combined. Toppings such as freshly cracked pepper, nutritional yeast, and red pepper flakes will give it an extra oomph.