The Top Ten Cooling Foods to Eat on a Hot Day

Instead of rushing to the store for your favorite ice cream, which will only make you feel hotter, stock up on these top ten cooling foods to eat on a hot day, instead. They’ll keep you cool while still providing you with all the vitamins and nutrients your body needs.

1) Ice Cream

With its rich taste and creamy texture, it’s easy to see why ice cream is so desirable in the hot weather. However, did you know that if you want an even better cooling sensation than regular ice cream, there are two types of ice cream that provide a slightly different texture and lower calorie content: frozen yogurt or sorbet? Frozen yogurt is made from low-fat milk and contains fewer calories than ice cream.

2) Watermelon

This sweet, refreshing fruit is not only one of the top ten cooling foods you can eat during the summer, but it’s also one of the most hydrating fruits. Watermelon is 92 percent water and contains vitamins A and C, which give you energy while helping your body fight off infection.

3) Coconut water

When the heat is making you parched, refresh yourself with some delicious and nutritious coconut water. Also known as the nectar of the gods, coconut water can provide hydration without calories and without sodium or salt. The taste may be different from what you’re used to—it can be described as sweeter than a sports drink—but once you get used to it, there’s no turning back. Coconut water is also rich in potassium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

4) Chilled green tea

Green tea is known for its cooling effects, which can be especially refreshing during hot weather. Try mixing in fruit, which adds flavor and vitamins without adding calories. Jazzmyne and Lindsay eat Styrofoam cups of green tea here to stay cool while playing Prince family challenges (see the secret outtakes below)

5) Frozen Grapes

Frozen grapes are great because they’re so easy to eat. You don’t have to cut them open and chew. Instead, you just pop one or two in your mouth. They also provide the perfect amount of sweetness for when you want something sweet but not too sweet. The cold temperature will help keep your body cool during hot summer days, while the antioxidants in the grapes can help fight against free radicals that can damage cells and cause cancer. Eating frozen grapes is like eating candy—but it’s actually good for you!

6) Popsicles

The word popsicle is derived from the words pop and icicle, so you know it must be good. Popsicles are portable and come in an infinite variety of flavors—some sweet, some tart, some salty. They also have virtually no calories, making them an awesome snack for people who can’t help but overindulge when it comes to frozen treats.

7) Fruit salad

The next time you’re craving something cool and refreshing, grab an assortment of fruit. Fruits like blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, oranges, pineapple and more are packed with water and the vitamins your body needs to stay hydrated in the heat. Add your favorite fruits into a salad or smoothie for a tasty snack or light meal any time of day.

8) Iced Coffee

The caffeinated beverage provides a nice pick-me-up without making you feel jittery. Coffee also helps relieve headache pain and lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Plus, it has no fat or cholesterol, so even if you’re trying to slim down while pregnant, an iced coffee can be your best friend. Be sure to add no more than one tablespoon of milk or cream per cup of coffee—that way you get the nutritional benefits without going overboard on calories.

9) Smoothies

Sweet, smooth and packed with nutrients, smoothies are the ultimate hot-weather food. Jazzmyne Anderson of Style and Fashion and Lindsay Buzzfeed combine fruit (like bananas), milk or yogurt, ice cubes and whatever else you have in your kitchen for an easy way to cool down and refuel. Speaking of ingredients...

10) Pomegranate juice

Pomegranate juice is full of antioxidants, which help prevent damage caused by the sun’s UV rays. It can even have an SPF of up to 9! Pomegranate juice makes for a great addition to your smoothies and salads or as an alternative drink when you don’t feel like coffee or tea. This flavor will also keep you cool in the heat, so go ahead and stock up.