Summer is a time to relax. Unfortunately, it can be difficult when the sun's rays are beating down on us, instantly draining our energy while the humidity is going through the roof. We are in the midst of the summer where temperatures are quickly rising and it is becoming more strenuous to perform daily activities. Really all we want to do is sit in front of the air conditioner all day with a tub of ice cream in our laps. Hey, I don't blame you! Luckily, I have some food suggestions you can try out to sustain your energy and keep cool this summer.
1. Water
It is a no-brainer that water is one of the most important essentials for the body. You are made of 60 percent water and hopefully you are already drinking eight cups of it per day! I know it can be difficult to drink that much water straight, so an extraordinary alternative is lemon water. Just simply add lemons to your drink and they can help improve the circulation within your body. Lemons also provide a boost of vitamins and enzymes which can add an incredible surge to the start of your day!
Another option is coconut water, which has the ability to naturally rehydrate the body. Coconut water replenishes electrolytes, however, it is not as strong as energy drinks like Gatorade that help the body recharge. Coconut water works best in less intense workouts. Compared to energy drinks, coconut water contains less sugar and calories, and it carries more potassium.
2. Cucumber
Besides eating a cucumber, you may have seen this popular veggie being used in movies or at the spa, where they are placed on the eyes to help a person relax. Well no one is fooling you! Cucumber is a "beauty vegetable" since it is full of mineral silicon, which detoxes your body from toxins, improves complexion and can be used for medicinal purposes. It carries vitamin B, phosphorus, calcium, zinc and other minerals. Placing a slice of cucumber on your eyes helps reduce puffiness and discoloration. Cucumber has high water content and its crunchiness makes it perfect to eat in salad or dipped in hummus. Go try it out at home and you can be as cool as a cucumber!
3. Watermelon
After a day outside playing soccer, my mother would always have watermelon prepared for me, cut-up into wedges on the table when I came back inside the house. I always like to say that while eating them, you start off with a smile and you end with one too. Watermelon is a popular summer snack since it is made of 90% water, keeping you well-hydrated for the day. Watermelon works best on an empty stomach since it can act as an internal air conditioner. It also contains vitamins A and C as well as lycopene, which has been studied to prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease.
4. Apples
An apple a day keeps the doctor away! Well, just add peanut butter to that mix and you got the perfect on-the-go snack. Apples carry powerful minerals and antioxidants such as vitamin C, which can protect your skin from excessive sun exposure. They go flawlessly with smoothies and with breakfast. Apples are also a great source of fiber and carry a special type of soluble fiber called pectin, which has been discovered to stop hunger and aid in weight loss!
5. Dark Chocolate
Who said all of these foods had to be fruits or vegetables? For my sweet tooth, I recommend to you organic dark chocolate! It is the best dessert to have in the summer time (I apologize for my ice cream lovers out there). It contains refined starches, which will expend B vitamins that we need to use for energy.
6. Blueberries
Blueberries are one of the best fruits to promote brain function and boost energy. They improve memory, the skin, are low in calories while still carrying the most nutrients, and are known to be "the king of antioxidants" because they carry the most antioxidants out of all fruits and vegetables. They also have the abilities to reduce DNA damage, protect cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, prevent heart disease, help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar for those with diabetes, and protect against aging and cancer. Blueberries are rich and bountiful most in the summer so there is plenty to go around!
7. Strawberries
Strawberries carry biotin, which can help give you healthy skin, hair and nails. They are perfect if you need more fiber in your diet, contain vitamin C, folic acid, as well as a high amount of antioxidants to flush out toxins in your body. Strawberries also can make your teeth whiter, reduce the risk of heart disease, slow aging, help with acne, asthma and allergies, and make freckles fade.
8. Pineapple
Pineapple is the only known source to contain an enzyme called bromelain, which aids in the reduction of inflammation in the body and cleanses within. Pineapples are able to lessen the pain that comes with arthritis, and help avoid muscle soreness and cramps. They are also perfect for smoothies, along with banana, spinach, kale and cucumber!
9. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are high in iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamin K and protein. These seeds can help improve your mood since they contain tryptophan, which is needed to produce serotonin in the brain. They can also help with hot flashes due to the magnesium, which helps to balance your body temperature. Pumpkin seeds carry compounds known as cucurbitacins, which has been recently found to fight cancer and kill different types of cancer cells. Lastly, if you have trouble sleeping, especially if you are an insomniac, pumpkin seeds would be perfect for you. They contain an amino acid called tryptophan, which has a responsibility linked to our sleep/wake cycle, thus helping you to fall asleep easier.
10. Bananas
Bananas are one of the best sources to obtain potassium. They regulate blood pressure, lessen the chances of asthma at a younger age, reduce the risk of childhood leukemia, have a great source of vitamin C that can prevent cancer, and are good for the heart. Bananas are also great to improve your mood and PMS symptoms, stay alert, help overcome depression, protect against muscle cramps during a workout, and aid in weight loss.
