## Refreshing Foods to Beat the Heat: A Guide to Cooling Down This Summer

As summer fades into autumn, the heat doesn’t necessarily retreat with it. Staying hydrated during these lingering warm days is crucial for maintaining your well-being. While tempting treats like cold beers or icy desserts might come to mind as ways to beat the heat, they aren’t always the best choice for true hydration.

Instead, consider incorporating these five refreshing foods into your diet. They’ll help keep you hydrated and cool while supporting a sustainable approach to eating:

1. Avocados

Famous for their creamy texture and versatility, avocados are also packed with monounsaturated fatty acids that contribute to heart health by helping remove toxins from the bloodstream.

Beyond simple guacamole or toast toppings, try creative preparations like Grilled Avocado With Roasted Tomatoes, which enhances the fruit’s natural creaminess. For more innovative ideas, explore recipes such as these Baked and Stuffed Avocados With Cashew Queso or the popular Pink Sushi Rice Avocado Stacks by Gabrielle St. Claire.

2. Berries

Berries are not only a vibrant addition to your plate but also an excellent source of hydration due to their high water content (around 90%). They’re rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and manganese.

To maximize berry goodness, freeze them during the summer months for convenient use later. Try recipes like Berry Fruit Tarts With Chia Seeds, or make a quick breakfast with this gluten-free 3-Ingredient Berry Cereal. Our current favorite is the Mixed Berry Cashew Cake by Victoria Rand and Christopher Bill.

3. Coconuts

The refreshing juice of young coconuts or the versatile flesh itself makes this tropical fruit a natural choice for hydration. It’s an excellent source of electrolytes, particularly potassium.

Incorporate coconut into savory dishes like Thai Coconut Soup, or enjoy sweet treats such as these Coconut Lime Doughnuts. For a unique snack, try the gluten-free recipe for Raspberry and Tahini Puffed Millet Squares.

4. Mint

Mint offers a unique way to cool down. Its refreshing flavor comes from a compound that triggers cold receptors in your mouth, signaling the brain.

Elevate simple mint water by blending it into an Mint Matcha Chip Ice Cream, or perhaps topping a cheesecake. For savory applications, try this Whole Roasted Cauliflower With Mint Parsley Pepita Sauce.

5. Watermelon

With about 92% water content and a rich profile of vitamins A, B6, and C, watermelon is the ultimate hydrating food.

Beyond enjoying slices during hot days, get creative with Sweet and Spicy Watermelon Curry, or perhaps a dessert like Watermelon Kiwi Popsicles. Another innovative idea: try this simple Watermelon Coconut Pudding.

Looking to expand your plant-based cooking repertoire? Explore our collection of Vegan Recipes, including cookbooks and recipe books, for a wealth of delicious ideas. And while you’re embracing these hydrating foods, it also presents an opportunity to consider the numerous health and environmental benefits associated with incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet.

Discover how easy it is to transition towards sustainable eating habits by learning about Vegan Food, reducing meat consumption, or understanding the positive environmental impact of plant-based choices. We believe that supporting sustainable food systems and prioritizing health are interconnected goals.

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