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Discover the best summer recipes to keep cool and hydrated. Our guide to summer cooking helps you decide what to make and what to avoid in the heat.

Summer Cooking Guide I Chefs Plate

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Our guide - packed with tips and recipes - is designed to help you stay hydrated, making your summer cooking experience a breeze. 

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<h1 id="your-guide-to-summer-cooking">Your Guide to Summer Cooking</h1>

Canada, while known for cold winters, is also no stranger to heat in the summer months, especially July and August. As temperatures soar during this season, it’s important not only to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water but also to choose the right foods that can help keep you cool and refreshed. 

During summer, cooking can become a challenge, as the last thing you want is to stand and prepare dishes and add extra heat into your home, which is why it’s important to adapt your meals and menu choices to beat the heat. 


While drinking plenty of water is key, foods can also help you stay hydrated. There are plenty of foods that contain high water content which are easy to incorporate into your meals during summer. Here’s a list of some foods with the highest water content: 
 
<ul>
<li>Cucumber - Cucumbers have a high water content and provide a refreshing crunch. </li>
<li>Watermelon - Watermelon is an excellent choice as it contains about 92% water and is rich in electrolytes and essential vitamins. </li>
<li>Yoghurt - Yoghurt is not only hydrating but also a good source of protein and probiotics. Opt for plain yoghurt or add fresh fruits for added flavour and hydration. </li>
<li>Oranges - Oranges are not only juicy but also high in water content. They are a great source of vitamin C, which can help replenish electrolytes lost through sweat.</li>
<li>Strawberries - Strawberries are hydrating and full of antioxidants. They can be enjoyed on their own or added to salads, yoghurt, or smoothies.</li>
<li>Leafy greens - Vegetables like lettuce, spinach, and kale have high water content and are packed with essential nutrients. They can be included in salads, wraps, or smoothies.</li>
<li>Bell peppers - Bell peppers, particularly the red and yellow varieties, have a high water content. They are also rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants.</li>
<li>Celery - Celery is hydrating, makes a refreshing snack and can be added to salads or used as a base for dips.</li>
<li>Pineapple - Pineapple has a high water content and contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion and reduces inflammation.</li>
<li>Tomatoes - Tomatoes are rich in water and contain lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart health. Enjoy them in salads or as a base for sauces.
 
Hot drinks like green tea and coffee can help cool you down. When you drink a hot drink that’s warmer than your body temperature, thermoreceptors in your core detect the change and trigger a sweating response, which effectively cools you down.</li>
</ul>
The same principle applies to spicy or hot foods like chilli, soup and curry, which can also help you stay cool in high temperatures.

The Best Foods to Keep You Hydrated

There are certain foods and drinks that are best to avoid during high temperatures, including:
 
<ul>
<li>Processed foods </li>
<li>Greasy foods </li>
<li>Salty foods</li>
<li>Red meat </li>
<li>Alcohol </li>
<li>Caffeinated drinks </li>
<li>Sugary foods </li>
<li>Foods high in dairy</li>
</ul>

What Foods Are Best to Avoid During the Summer?

There are methods to cooking that require little prep and minimal heat which is exactly what is needed when temperatures soar. Here’s a few ways you can cook during summer without using the oven:
 
<ul>
<li>BBQ: Keep the heat outside by firing up the BBQ. Perfect for grilling vegetables and meat on a sunny day. </li>
<li>Microwave: Efficient and quick, microwaves are a great way to heat food without adding extra heat to your home.</li>
<li>No cook dishes: Choose refreshing no-cook options like salads and sandwiches, ideal for a light meal on a warm day.</li>
<li>Slow cooker: This appliance cooks food slowly at a low temperature, reducing heat buildup in your kitchen and requiring very minimal effort.</li>
</ul>

Different Ways to Cook in the Heat 

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