By: Kerri Lambie, RHN & HOM

As a nutritionist I am hearing more and more from people that it is “just too hot to eat!” and while you may feel like that is true, I personally feel there is nothing better on those kinds of days then a nice cooling meal of seasonal treasures.

The amazing thing about food is that not only can it benefit you nutritionally but also it can have the ability to change your body temperature quickly. Eating seasonally is an easy way to accomplish this. Just like eating soups and stews during the winter can keep your internal furnace burning; the opposite can happen when eating raw and uncooked foods during the summer.

My top favourite cooling foods:

  1. Cucumbers are 95% water which means a 5 ounce serving contains 150ml of water that is already purified, keeping you hydrated. It is also said that the inside of a cucumber can be 20 degrees cooler than the outside so when you put all of it together there is a reason why people say “cool as a cucumber”
  2. Watermelons are a favourite summer treat; and with their 92% water content it is not only refreshing but hydrating as well. The juice is full of good electrolytes which can even help to prevent heat stroke
  3. Leafy greens contain minerals and water which can help to balance your body by replenishing the adrenal glands which become stressed under heat exhaustion. They are also easy to digest so your body does not have to use as much energy breaking them down
  4. Orangesand other citrus fruits are loaded with Vitamin C which gives you a good kick of energy when that summer heat drags you down.
  5. Radishes are rich in Vitamin C which has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties effective for fighting heat stress. They have been called the “Ruby”of summer by some people

Adding a few organic herbs to your recipes can also have cooling effects:

  1. Fennel seed
  2. Mint
  3. Cilantro
  4. Coriander
  5. Dill

Watermelon Gazpacho RECIPE

Ingredients

  1. 1 watermelon (seeds removed)
  2. 1 red pepper (seeds removed and diced)
  3. 1-2 heirloom tomatoes (finely diced)
  4. 1 cucumber (seeded if you like and diced)
  5. 2 scallions (chopped)
  6. 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (chopped)
  7. 1 inch fresh ginger(grated)
  8. 3 tablespoons of fresh lime or lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Puree watermelon in blender and pour into a large bowl
  2. Combine all other ingredients to the watermelon puree
  3. Add salt and pepper to taste
  4. Chill for at least one hour (but longer if possible)
  5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves when serving
  6. ENJOY!!

As Homeopath & Holistic Nutritionist, Kerri offer a natural approach to health. Instead of focusing on just one aspect of the person, or taking a one size fits all methodology, she evaluates the complete health history, emotional state, lifestyle habits and current diet habits of an individual to determine the root cause of his or her health issues. 

Please contact Innate wellness to book a consultation.