Cover Photo: Jamie Street on Unsplash

Keep your cool! These healthy DIY snacks are here to save the summer

We're all about keeping hydrated despite the heat! This summer, the Philippines has experienced some scorching hot days, with the heat index rising up to 52 degrees in some parts of the country. To keep safe, it's important to give your body what it needs to keep cool—and what better way to do that than through delicious, nutritious, water-rich fruits and veggies? Below, we've listed down some of the best recipes to go with your favourite refreshing (and rehydrating) ingredients. 

Read also: 7 Summer Cocktail Recipes From Top Bars In The Philippines: Run Rabbit Run, Tamboks, And More

Watermelon

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Tanalee Youngblood on Unsplash

They don't call it a watermelon for nothing! Puns aside, this fruit is one of the most hydrating you can enjoy this summer. With a water content of 92 per cent, watermelons have been shown to give over half a cup of refreshing H20 for every 154-gram serving. Plus, it contains a rich assortment of nutrients that include magnesium, fibre, and vitamin C.

If you're looking to incorporate it into your diet, try this watermelon, feta, and mint salad. While the watermelon yields much hydration, the feta will add a tanginess that's further complemented by the coolness of fresh mint leaves. Truly perfect for a summer meal!

See the recipe here

 

Cucumber

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Above Photo: Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Cucumbers have a distinctly mild, yet slightly bitter taste (thanks to its skin) some may love it, while others may hate it. Despite this, we can't forget the fact that they have a 95 per cent water content. They're also incredibly low-calorie and are the perfect addition to soups, salads, and sandwiches.

If you're looking for something to complement that distinct cucumber taste, we recommend this pineapple, banana, and cucumber shake. It mixes other summery fruits, plus a handful of baby greens, to create an easy to drink (and very healthy!) shake recipe that's as refreshing as it sounds. 

See the recipe here

Read also: 5 One-Piece Swimsuit Trends To Wear In 2021

Coconut Water

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Above Photo: Tijana Drndarski on Unsplash

For some time now, coconut water has been touted as a better alternative to sports drinks. Though athletes who sweat and exercise profusely are likely to need more than just coconut water to rehydrate, this nutrient-rich and low-sodium drink is great for people who aren't as active, but who still need to keep up with heat or level of activity. A single cup is rich in electrolytes such as potassium and manganese; but also low in carbohydrates. This makes it ideal for rehydration.

If you're looking to incorporate it into your diet (in a fun way!) try this coconut, raspberry, and chia seed pudding. It's healthy, refreshing, and still oh-so-creamy. 

See the recipe here

Celery

Celery is famously known as a "negative-calorie" food (meaning it takes more calories to eat celery than celery has to offer in the first place). While this isn't scientifically accurate, we can't deny that celery is incredibly water-dense, making it a refreshing vegetable to incorporate into a holistic diet.

Aside from munching on it raw with a side of peanut butter, consider this hearty celery soup that incorporates fresh herbs, water, and potatoes to make for a filling yet nutritious appetiser that won't leave you bloated. 

See the recipe here

Strawberry

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Above Photo: Gianluca Gerardi on Unsplash

A delicious berry dessert sounds just about right. Strawberries boast a 91 per cent water content, making them a sweet yet guilt-free treat this summer. Not only that but they're also rich with antioxidants that have been shown to prevent certain cancers.

Use these fruits to your advantage by using them to create sorbet! This three-ingredient recipe incorporates strawberries, raw honey, water—and you don't need an ice cream maker for it either. 

See the recipe here

Read also: 5 Easy Tofu Recipes Perfect For Vegans And Vegetarians