Cool Foods for a Hot Day

Whether packing for a long day at camp or a quick snack at home, we are all looking for cool ways to chill out on a hot summer day. Here are some ideas that are refreshing, easy and fun to put together!

Something cool to drink…

Water with juice cubes: use an ice cube tray and freeze 3 Guiding Star 100% juice ice cubes; combine cold water and a handful of juice cubes for a refreshing drink that hydrates without too much sugar.

Refreshing Tea: Brew a fruit-flavored or other desirable tea, chill and serve with fresh mint.

Smoothie: Blend together 3 Guiding Star plain, non-fat Greek yogurt with frozen fruit (add a bit of water or 100% fruit juice if it is too thick). If needed, stir in a bit of honey or agave syrup to sweeten. For extra benefit, blend in some 3 Guiding Star natural nut or seed butter or ground flax seed.

Something cool to eat….

3 Guiding Star Frozen Grapes: Simple, delicious, refreshing.

Guiding Star Pasta Salad: Cook 3 Guiding Star whole wheat pasta according to directions. Strain and immediately cool with cold water; strain again and add diced vegetables, artichoke hearts, and sliced olives. Mix with salad dressing such as 1 Guiding Star Brianna’s Home Style Real French Vinaigrette Dressing. Chill and serve.

Black Bean and Corn Salad: A favorite in my home! Thoroughly strain and rinse 3 Guiding Star black beans such as Bush’s Best Reduced Sodium Black Beans. Combine with defrosted 3 Guiding Star whole corn kernels.  Stir in olive oil, lime juice and salt and pepper to taste and top with finely chopped cilantro (optional). Chill and serve.

2 Guiding Star Watermelon: The perfect summer snack…nothing beats a simple, cold slice of watermelon.

Something cool as a treat….

Guiding Star Ginger Blueberries and Yogurt: Combine ¾ cup blueberries with ginger (for convenience I love the Gourmet Garden herb blends); top with a dollop of plain, fat-free Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of brown sugar and garnish with a sprig of mint.

Yogurt Parfait with Blueberries
Yogurt Parfait with Blueberries / Penn Waggener / CC BY 2.0

Chocolate Banana Popsicle: Grab the kids and make a Guiding Star worthy banana treat with just the right amount of sticky sweet for a fun summer day! Slice a banana in half and insert a popsicle stick into each sliced (flat) end. Dip the tip of the banana in melted dark chocolate and lay on a tray to freeze. Wait several hours and enjoy! (For added fun, sprinkle crushed nuts, sprinkles or shredded coconut on the chocolate before freezing!)

Frozen Yogurt Pops: Freeze a box of tube yogurt for several hours and enjoy!

Make Your Own Ice Cream Flavor: Let your kids be ice cream chefs! Start with low-fat vanilla or chocolate ice cream or yogurt, softened just a bit to make stirring it easy. Arrange an array of Guiding Star “mix-ins” such as fresh berries, mango chunks, sliced or crushed nuts or a bit of dark chocolate chips. Scoop some ice cream into a small freezer safe bowl, stir in desired ingredients and freeze.