Sun’s Out: Here’s What to Eat, Drink and Repeat This Summer

Table of Content:

1. Introduction
2. Eat Light, Stay Cool
3. Drink Your Way to Hydration
4. Skincare that Soothes and Refreshes 
5. Conclusion
6. FAQs

Introduction:

When the summer is in full swing, with temperatures soaring in April and May, staying cool and hydrated becomes a top priority. The heat can sometimes leave you feeling sluggish, but a few mindful adjustments can help you stay energised and embrace the season’s charm.

This guide will help you stay cool and refreshed all summer with hydrating foods, revitalising drinks, and self-care tips so you can fully enjoy the summer season.

Eat Light, Stay Cool

Heavy meals can make you feel lethargic in the heat, so opting for hydrating foods for summer, like fresh fruits, vegetables, and light meals, is the way to go. These recipes pack in hydration while keeping your energy levels high.

• Karpouzi Salata

Watermelon is over 90% water, making it an ideal summer fruit. This simple yet vibrant salad is a must-try:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups watermelon, cubed
  • A handful of fresh mint leaves
  • 50g feta cheese, crumbled
  • Juice of half a lime

Method of preparation:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed watermelon, fresh mint leaves, and crumbled feta cheese. Squeeze the juice of half a lime over the mixture and gently toss everything together to ensure the flavours are well blended. Serve chilled, for a refreshing summer bite.

• Chaat-e-Chic Cool Salad

This refreshing salad is hydrating, flavourful, and packed with crunch.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup boiled chickpeas
  • 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tbsp yoghurt
  • 1/2 tsp cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp sumac
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Method of preparation:

Begin by making the dressing. In a small bowl, combine yoghurt, cumin powder, and sumac. In a bigger bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, boiled chickpeas, pomegranate seeds, and fresh dill. Toss the salad with the spiced yoghurt dressing until fully coated. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top and serve cold for a pop of flavour.

• Hawaiian Poke-Inspired Bowl

This tropical bowl is a delicious blend of sweetness, creaminess, and a hint of spice.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 mango, diced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 2 tbsp coconut water
  • 1/2 tsp chaat masala

Method of preparation :

In a bowl, mix the chopped mango and avocado. Sprinkle chia seeds over the mixture. Stir the mixture gently. Pour in the coconut water and add a dash of chaat masala for a hint of spice. Stir everything together carefully to maintain the avocado’s creamy texture. Serve fresh and chilled.

Drink Your Way to Hydration

Drinking enough fluids is important throughout the summer, but why limit yourself to plain water when you can enjoy these tasty, refreshing concoctions?

• Smoked Watermelon & Rosemary Elixir

Adding a dash of smokiness takes this watermelon drink to a new level.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups watermelon, cubed and lightly smoked
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tsp agave syrup

Method of preparation :

Use a stovetop smoker to lightly smoke the watermelon cubes, or briefly grill them for a few seconds. Allow them to cool, then mix until smooth with a little agave syrup and fresh lime juice. For a cool treat, strain the mixture and serve it over ice. Add a sprig of rosemary at the end for a fragrant touch, then dig in!

• Fermented Pineapple & Turmeric Soda

Fermentation creates natural fizz, making this drink both probiotic and incredibly refreshing.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks
  • 1 tsp ginger bug (a fermented ginger starter)
  • 1 tsp fresh turmeric juice

Method of preparation :

Puree pieces of fresh pineapple in a blender. Pour the mixture into a sealed jar and add a spoonful of ginger bug. To create a natural fizz, let it ferment for a full day at room temperature. Strain the liquid after fermentation and stir in fresh turmeric juice. Serve cold for an energising, probiotic-rich drink. 

• Saffron and Rose Infusion

This luxurious drink is delicate, floral, and cooling.

• Ingredients:
  • 3-4 saffron strands
  • 1 tbsp dried rose petals
  • 500ml cold water
  • 1 cardamom pod

Method of preparation :

Put a little crushed cardamom pod, a few saffron threads, and some dried rose petals in a glass jar. To infuse, add 500 ml of cold water, cover, and leave in the refrigerator overnight. Strain the mixture the following day and serve it cold for a delightfully aromatic beverage.

Skincare that Soothes and Refreshes 

A summer skincare routine should focus on hydration and cooling to protect your skin from heat and dryness. To revitalise your skin, try these do-it-yourself face masks.

• Saffron and Sandalwood Paste

This creamy blend deeply nourishes dry skin while leaving it visibly brighter and soothed.

• Ingredients:
  • A pinch of saffron, soaked in warm milk
  • 1 tsp sandalwood powder
  • 1 tbsp fresh cream

Method of preparation :

Mix all ingredients into a smooth paste. Apply the mixture evenly onto your face and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with cool water to reveal softer, brighter, and refreshed skin.

• Neem and Watermelon Gel

A refreshing gel mask that calms sensitive skin and balances oil with a cooling burst of hydration.

• Ingredients:
  • A handful of fresh neem leaves
  • 2 tbsp watermelon juice
  • 1 tbsp aloe vera gel

Method of preparation :

Blend fresh neem leaves and watermelon juice till smooth. Add aloe vera gel and stir thoroughly. Refrigerate the mixture before applying it to your face for 10-15 minutes. This mask relieves sensitive skin and delivers immediate hydration.

Conclusion

Staying cool and hydrated this season is simple with the right foods, drinks, and a well-balanced summer skincare routine. These easy tips will help you maintain energy, keep your skin fresh, and enjoy the season to the fullest. Stay refreshed and make the most of every summer day!

FAQs

1. How can I prevent heat exhaustion in summer?

Staying hydrated, wearing breathable clothing, and avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours can help prevent heat exhaustion.


2. Does spicy food help or worsen summer heat?

Surprisingly, spicy food can help you cool down by making you sweat, which lowers your body temperature. However, it’s best consumed in moderation.


3. How can I keep my home naturally cool during summer?

Light-coloured curtains, keeping windows open during cooler hours, and placing bowls of ice in front of fans can help keep indoor spaces cool.