Chill Out With These Cold Foods in This Heat Wave

The dog days of summer are scorching up the thermometers. Today (7/21/2011) the heat index is at 115 degrees F! You (and many people) may complain of a decrease in appetite and general lack of interest in firing up their stoves. But we still need to eat. Some foods can actually help you get a little relief from the heat because they are cold and hydrating. I went on Let’s Talk Live to show how you can increase the nutrition in your meals and stay cool in the summer heat wave of 2011!  No cooking required!
Click the image below to watch the full video
Breakfast – Blueberry Fruit Shake: Ingredients

• 2 cups frozen blueberries
• 1 cup frozen mixed fruit (including cantaloupe, honeydew, grapes, peaches, etc)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In the container of a food processor or blender, place blueberries, mixed fruit, milk, sugar and vanilla extract
2. Whirl until smooth
3. Serve immediately

This is a fast and easy recipe (only 5 ingredient). All you have to do is mix it up and you have a healthy breakfast; it has a good balance of carbs and protein!). It will also keep you cool in those scorching hot summer days. http://www.blueberrycouncil.org/recipe/blueberry-fruit-shake/ Lunch – Lemon Blueberry and Chicken Salad

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, divided
• ¾ cup low-fat lemon yogurt
• 3 tablespoons reduced-calorie mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups cubed cooked chicken breasts
• ½ cup sliced green onions (scallions)
• ¾ cup diagonally sliced celery

Instructions

1. Reserve a few blueberries for garnish
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine yogurt, mayonnaise and salt
3. Add the remaining blueberries, chicken, green onions, celery and bell pepper
4. Mix gently
5. Cover and refrigerate to let flavors blend, at least 30 minutes
6. Serve over endive or other greens garnished with reserved blueberries and lemon slices, if desired

Let the grocery store do the cooking. Pick up a rotisserie chicken and take advantage of the berry season. This is a great choice for a quick and healthy summer lunch. You can make it ahead and enjoy all work-week. Add in more nutrition with spinach or arugula, and also add a whole wheat wrap or pita. http://www.blueberrycouncil.org/recipe/lemon-blueberry-and-chicken-salad/ Dinner – 3. Gazpacho

Ingredients:

6 tomatoes, peeled and diced

2 jalapeños, minced (with or without seeds, but I like it spicy!)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cucumber, seeded and diced

2 stalks celery, diced

1/2 red onion, diced

1/2 cup parsley or cilantro, chopped

1/2 lemon, juiced or use red wine vinegar

Salt to taste

Croutons to serve!

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and allow flavors to swim together. Season with salt and serve with croutons! DELICIOUSLY FRESH & SIMPLE!

http://ediblenutrition.com/ediblenutrition/?p=77

Disclosure: Blueberry Council is a client of mine.

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