Salads
Tossed green salads with lots of low-fat, low-calorie, high-water content goodies like cucumbers and tomatoes are easy to make, don’t require cooking and don’t heat up the internal organs as hot foods and harder to digest foods do. They’re a rich source of fiber for the body which is great for improving digestion and also reducing cholesterol levels. Salads also help you feel full so you can avoid unnecessary eating. The result is you consume fewer calories, feel full and cool and maybe lose some weight in the process.
Soups
Broth-based soups are rich in nutrition and many are low-calorie, which makes them an excellent food for summer. Hot soup will make you sweat and so cool you off. Include healthy ingredients, and you can ward off various diseases. A chilled bowl of soup made from vegetables such as cucumber, carrot and fruits and herbs such as mint and coriander is very refreshing for the summer. They’re easy to digest so your insides don’t work overtime creating heat.
Fruits
Fruits are available in abundance during the summer. There’s no excuse for you to not include fruits in your diet this summer. Peaches and nectarines can be great for your body because they contain vitamins, phytochemicals, flavonoids and can be a part of a fruit salad or a snack. All melons, citrus and juicy fruits are great to beat the scorching heat. They’re refreshing as well as healthy. Choose the fruits available in your area and dig into these tasty bits this summer.
Cool Drinks
In summer cool drinks and juices in addition to water are life for those who stay out in the sun throughout the day. They rehydrate your body and help you replenish the sugar and salt that’s lost through perspiration. Watermelon juice, cranberry juice, lemonade, iced herbal teas and other such drinks are great for summer. If you’re watching your weight, read the sugar content on the container or cut back on fresh-made drinks. Coconut water, which is very popular in tropical countries, is a great alternative to juices. The variety of coolers is endless so pick the one that best suits your health.
Fruit-Based Desserts
Cold desserts are hugely popular with people throughout the year, but during summer they’re unavoidable. Desserts mostly have elements that are not great for health such as cream and sugar. For a healthy dessert try to have desserts that are low in calories such as sorbets, frozen grapes, frozen sweet cherries or grilled banana sundae made with low-fat ice cream. Avoid using large amounts of sugar and if possible substitute it with honey. Eating these desserts means the digestive system doesn’t have to put in too much effort, but the tastes buds are still satisfied.
Grilled Food
Grilled vegetables or grilled chicken or fish are a must have for the summer. Grilling makes the food healthier, adds flavor and allows you some family time together. Grilled food doesn’t heat up the kitchen, and it’s easy to digest so your system isn’t burning you up while it burns the calories. Keep the rubs and sauces less spicy, think cilantro, basil, dill and ginger, than the ones you use in winter to keep your digestive system cool.
Water
A lot of essential minerals are lost in hot weather due to sweating. The loss of water from your body can leave you exhausted, and you can also have cramps at such times. Therefore, drink plenty of water to replenish your body.
During the hot summer treat your insides right with cooling, nutritious and balanced foods. Your body will thank you.
