6 Easy And Healthy Meals For Summer!

The mercury is rising and the last thing you want to do is go next to the stove. The kids are passing out with hunger and your husband is eyeing you up like a succulent chicken. So, you know it would be best if you get cracking on the family meals. Here are a few ideas to get you into the summer cooking, without having to heat up the house and go for expensive as well as unhealthy take out.

1. Get Spicy!

Most of the hottest countries in the world are well known for the spiciest foods around. Spices such as curry, cayenne pepper, wasabi, cajun seasoning, fresh ginger and black pepper can actually cool you down. Eating spicy foods make you sweat, which lowers your body temperature. It sounds a bit weird, but it does make sense why people who live in countries, where temperatures are sweltering, consume the hottest spices.

2. Eat Leafy Green Vegetables and Herbs

You don't have to be Popeye to enjoy the health benefits and taste of leafy green vegetables. The great thing about them is the amount of water content that lettuce,spinach and arugula have, which makes them easy for your body to digest. They work as blood thinners that help your body to release heat so you can keep chill. If you are still put off by eating a bowl of vegetables, you could munch on herbs such as basil,mint and coriander.

3. Try Cold Soup

A lot of people are put off by eating soup cold. It could be because we associate soup with winter warmth. However, there are some great cold soup recipes, some of which are classics like tomato gazpacho or mint and pea soup.

4. Tuck into a Wrap or Salad

Wraps and salads are a good way to eat a meal full of vibrant colors and help you gain an array of vitamins. No heat is required and even if you have minimum cooking skills I am sure you can do this at home. Avoid using heavy and creamy salad dressing and opt for a vinaigrette made of olive or flaxseed oil, balsamic vinegar and lemon juice.You can eat the salad on its own, go for the wrap or bite into both. On hot days it is recommended to eat very little meat, so stick to the vegetables. Instead of the meat, it is also a good excuse to add some fish to your wrap or salad, such as salmon, tuna or shrimps.

5. Replace a Heavy Meal with a Smoothie or Shake

A lot of us feel uninteresting in eating at all when it is too hot outside, however we have to make an effort to get all the vitamins and minerals our body needs. Blending some fresh fruit with a few dollops of yogurt can stray away hunger cravings for a while so you have time to keep cool.

6. Juicy Summer Fruits

Many fruits that are available throughout the summer season have a lot of water content. Watermelons are about 90% water, so you are guaranteed to stay hydrated and cool. Keep peaches, oranges,grapes,cherries,melons and apricots in the refrigerator. So you will have a refreshing treat waiting for you during the hot summer day.