Beat the heat with these cool foods

Beat the heat with these cool foods

This summer has almost been unbearable with several heat waves in a row. Of course, swimming and spending time in facilities that have air conditioning is key, but you may find that consuming a few cool foods will help keep you healthy from the inside out during a hot summer day.

Watermelon: Watermelon is a perfect fruit to consume when the weather is warmer than you'd like. It is composed mainly of water, which will work to reduce the chances that you become dehydrated in the sun (of course you should also be drinking plenty of water as well). Keeping the watermelon cool in the refrigerator before you serve it to your family is also important. No one wants to eat a warm piece of watermelon on a hot day.
Water Ice: Talk about a refreshing dessert or midday snack. Water ice works like the watermelon to keep your body hydrated, but it is so cold that it can help cool you off from the inside. You don't have to purchase water ice either. You can make your own at home. Simply grind up some ice cubes and pour juice or syrup on top. To give my water ice a cherry flavor, I just pour the juice on top of the ice from inside a maraschino cherry jar.

Frozen Blueberries: Blueberries are perfect year round because they are high in antioxidants. Placing them in the freezer changes them to a delicious snack with the power to cool you down. My daughter actually prefers her blueberries frozen. You can purchase the blueberries already frozen, or get them fresh like we do and then put them in the freezer yourself.

Cucumbers: Cucumbers are like watermelons, in that they contain a large amount of water. I prefer to offer this vegetable to my children as a snack or dinner side dish. You can add diced onions and Italian salad dressing to turn the cucumbers into cucumber salad.