Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot Menu

Sometimes I am just too hot to cook. And I don’t mean sexy. I mean hot as in temperature hot. When the mercury rises like this and I’m feeling hot, hot, hot, that song of the same name runs through my head and I’d rather be dancing around my kitchen than cooking in it.

This no-cooking-required menu is perfect for these sultry summer nights, showing you can still eat well without feeling hot, hot, hot. And the hibiscus iced tea (a little like Jamaican sorrel), will keep you refreshed while bopping along to this Calypso classic! Here’s a YouTube link to Arrow performing it live in Montreal with a happy crowd dancing along…back when crowds were still permitted.

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Beverage: Hibiscus Iced Tea (deliciously refreshing before, during or after your meal)

Soup: Corn & White Bean Gazpacho (keep your cool and use canned white beans and frozen corn – though cooked and crumbled bacon would be an inspired garnish)

Salad: Shrimp & Avocado Salad (if you buy the shrimp already cooked then the only heat you’ll need comes from the hot sauce; chicken breast also works well here)

Dessert: No Bake Chocolate Cookies (these would be extra-cool with a little vanilla ice cream on top)

Join The Nutritional Reset community here to receive this month’s menu today (as well as each month to come)! And read on for some nutritional tidbits about a few foods featured in the recipes…

A few featured foods

Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea is made by steeping parts of the hibiscus plant in boiling water. Delicious both hot and cold, it has a tart flavour rather like cranberries. Studies show that hibiscus tea has a diuretic effect that may help lower blood pressure*. Its high vitamin C and iron content supports the immune system. And it is a refreshing alternative to water to keep you hydrated in the heat.

*Note: hibiscus tea is not recommended if you take the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide to treat high blood pressure as it may interact with the drug.

Radishes

We often overlook radishes despite the fact that they have been with us since ancient times. During the construction of the Pyramids, workers’ wages were paid in radishes (I bet those people were seriously hot)! A half cup is only 12 calories and an excellent source of antioxidants (that same half cup provides 14% of your daily vitamin C needs), electrolytes, minerals, vitamins and fibre. And they are delightfully crunchy and peppery and come in beautiful shapes and shades! Don’t toss out the greens – they are wonderful sautéed in olive oil and garlic!

Cooking your own food is the single most impactful step you can take to improve your health and energy!

I hope you enjoy the recipes in my Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot Menu. Sign up here to receive the download link for this latest Menu of the Month. And if you want to cook more of your own food but don’t know what to make or have the time to organize your own menus and shopping lists, The Nutritional Reset offers a meal planning service. It makes preparing tasty, nutritious meals a snap. Click here to find out more.