We didn't think it would get this HOT this quickly! And HOT and STEAMY it has been! So, when you want to stay cool, there are foods that will actually keep you cool and satisfied during this heat storm.
Start with watermelon, cucumbers, celery, iceberg lettuce, and tomatoes. The high water content in these fruits and veggies helps to keep you hydrated. And, did you know that when you are sufficiently hydrated, your body effectively releases heat.
Add spice to your meals! Believe it or not, spicy foods are actually capable of cooling. The spice induces sweat, which is your body's way of lowering its internal temperature.
Eat greens! Salads are a terrific natural blood thinner which can help you release body heat and cool down. A spinach salad with watermelon, cucumbers, and feta cheese is a great refreshing eat!
Mint is also a great summer cool down. Menthol, one of mint's main components, triggers sensors in the body that cause you to feel cool. It is also known to have calming properties, which can help you to stay cool when faced with the heat! Add mint to your ice tea, your seltzer, even a side dish of grains.
And drink drink drink! Water is the best option!
A great lunch or dinner idea is a no-cook Mexican Chicken Salad. You can either cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts or you can buy fully cooked chicken (either a whole roasted or grilled chicken breasts). This salad has a long list of ingredients, but is put together really fast!
You need cooked corn, choped red onion, grape tomatoes, can black beans (rinsed and drained), chopped red bell peppers, mixed lettuce, avocado (peeled and chopped), shredded cheddar cheese.
Combine cooked chicken, corn, red onion, tomatoes, black beans, and red peppers in a large bowl.
Stir in dressing (1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 3 Tbsp honey, 2 tsp cumin, 1 Tbsp chili powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper, 2 Tbsp olive oil)
When ready to eat, combine the above with lettuce. Serve with avocados, cheese and whole wheat tortillas, low-fat sour cream, and fresh salsa.
Enjoy!
Stir in dressing (1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 3 Tbsp honey, 2 tsp cumin, 1 Tbsp chili powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper, 2 Tbsp olive oil)
When ready to eat, combine the above with lettuce. Serve with avocados, cheese and whole wheat tortillas, low-fat sour cream, and fresh salsa.
Enjoy!
