Summer is well and truly here, and with the heat turned up many of us start opting for lighter meals that keep us cool. Foods with a high water content, as well as those that are lower in saturated fat, are the best options for staying refreshed, but if you’re looking for specific ideas, we have some fantastic suggestions.
The brunch options
1. Smashed avocado and tomatoes
Going out for brunch is a wonderful weekend treat, but in the summer heat not everyone wants to pile on the calories with a full English. Instead, opt for smashed avocado and heritage tomatoes with red onion and sourdough toast. Avocado is packed with healthy unsaturated fats, while tomatoes have a high water content and antioxidants like lycopene, which help to protect the body from heat damage.
2. Fresh fruit and granola
Fresh seasonal fruits like strawberries and watermelon are super cooling on a hot day, with plenty of water for hydration. Paired with a light source of protein like yoghurt and the sweetness of granola, there’s no better way to set yourself up for the day.
Light bites
1. Grilled king prawns
Did you know that by eating spicy food you can trick your body into cooling down? Beat the heat with some spice and opt for grilled king prawns with chilli, ginger and garlic. The lean protein will fill you up without feeling too heavy, and the spices will work their magic to help you cool off.
2. Roasted aubergine and yoghurt
A vegan-friendly option is roasted aubergine paired with harissa and coconut yoghurt. Harissa contains chillies, which trick your body into cooling down, while coconut yoghurt is a refreshing source of protein. Aubergine, meanwhile, is both delicious and packed with antioxidants to help regulate body temperature and protect your cells from damage.
3. Roasted chicken
We tend to think of roasted chicken as a hearty winter dish – but that’s usually when it’s served with roast potatoes and veg. When you want to find the ‘best dinner near me’ with lighter menu options, don’t dismiss a dish of marinated chicken with a mixed leaf salad. This is both cooling and filling on a hot day.
Just desserts
1. Eton Mess
A classic summer dessert, Eton Mess combines meringue with summer berries and whipped cream, providing a sweet yet light end to a meal. The berries contain plenty of water to keep you hydrated, while a feather-light meringue is just enough to satisfy a sweet tooth without sitting heavily on your stomach.
2. Gelato
It goes without saying that gelato is a favourite in hot weather. Delicious, sweet and cooling, it’s the perfect treat – and with a choice of flavours there’s something for everyone.
Cool off at Studio Five
Here at Studio Five restaurant our menu includes a wide range of dishes to help keep you cool this summer. Whether you’re looking for a lunch stop during a Wembley Park shopping trip, or searching for the ‘best dinner places near me’, our modern menu is full of delicious flavours and fresh ingredients. Book your table today.
