Summer Nutrition Tips To Help Stay Cool

As the summer heat intensifies, simple changes in our diet can help us stay cool, hydrated, and energized. Let's explore how to nourish our bodies this summer and make the most of the season!

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, summer is associated with the Fire element, the heart, and small intestine. The higher temperatures can lead to symptoms like dehydration, fatigue, irritability, and digestive issues. To counteract the heat, we can consume foods that are cooling, hydrating, and easy to digest!

Here Are Some of My favorite Cooling Foods for Summer:

1. Watermelon: High in water and electrolytes, watermelon helps to hydrate and cool the body, alleviating heat-related symptoms.

2. Cucumber: Another hydrating and cooling food, eat them raw or add a few slices to your salads for a refreshing summer snack.

3. Mint: This delicious herb has natural cooling properties and can be brewed into tea or added to dishes for a refreshing flavor. It’s great for cooling down the body, soothing headaches, and helping your digestion.

4. Chrysanthemum: This tea is a popular summer beverage in TCM for its cooling properties and ability to clear heat. It can help lower fevers, soothe the eyes, and reduce headaches caused by the heat.

5. Pear: Pears are an excellent fruit choice for hot summer days. Ever had a dry scratchy throat from the heat and allergies? Pears can help soothe a dry throat and relieve a cough by keeping you hydrated.

my go to summer salad:

Watermelon Salad with Mint and Feta

This is one of my favorite summer salads to make when temperatures are high, watermelon is in season, and turning the hot oven on sounds like the worst idea:

Ingredients:

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon honey

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Salad:

• 2 cups watermelon, cubed

• 1 cucumber, sliced

• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

• 1/3 cup crumbled feta

Instructions:

• Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.

• Arrange the watermelon, cucumber, mint, and feta on a large plate or platter. Toss salad with dressing. Season to taste and serve.

Tips:

• Trying to add more protein in your diet? Serve with a delicious grilled steak.

• Toss in some arugula to add a nice peppery flavor.

• Add a little crunch with chopped walnuts or pistachios.