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Did you know that a nutritious diet can help you stay cool and hydrated during the summer months? In the video below, VCU Health dietitian Allie Farley provides simple tips to integrate into your daily routine.

1. Enjoy refreshing fruits and vegetables! For example: apricots, peaches, melons, cherries, berries, cucumbers and tomatoes just to name a few. Try purchasing whole fresh and local produce if possible. However, don’t feel like you can’t buy frozen or canned fruit and vegetables if that is most convenient and affordable for you and your family. When shopping for frozen or canned fruit, look for fruit in natural juices and vegetables with no added salt. It’s also great to use fruits and vegetables to make cold and refreshing smoothies.
2. Try adding a little twist to your water by infusing it with fresh mint, cucumbers or berries.
3. Prep nutrient dense meals and snacks ahead of time so you are less likely to consume a lot of processed foods that tend to be higher in sugar, sodium and trans fats. Many processed foods may be quick and easy but tend to have very little nutrient value and leave you feeling less satisfied.
4. Last but not least, have fun in the kitchen and outdoors!

Take advantage of these cool and refreshing tips to help you stay hydrated this summer!

Visit our Diet and Nutrition blog to read more on the role diet plays in cancer, courtesy of VCU Health dietitian Allie Farley. If there is there a topic that you would like to see covered, send your requests to alliene.farley@vcuhealth.org. 

Written by: Massey Communications Office