jtrent238 test blog: Hydrating dinners to keep you cool

By Victoria Seaver, M.S., R.D.

During the hot summer months, it's important to stay hydrated so you can feel your best even on the warmest of days. Water, seltzer, tea and other beverages will do the trick but did you know that certain foods can also help you meet your daily quota? The healthy, hydrating dinners in this week's plan features those types of foods to keep you feeling good all week long.

Your Meal Plan

Hydrating foods include things like fruits (especially melons and apples), vegetables (like potatoes and zucchini), yogurt and any item that absorbs water—like beans, pasta, rice and polenta. They all deliver different amounts per serving (you can read more about that here) but you can't go wrong with any of them. You'll find all of those and more in this week's tasty summer dinners, like Sunday's Tomato Salad with Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette and Wednesday's Cantaloupe & Cucumber Salad with Fresh Za'atar. Even though some of these recipe names might sound fancy, they're really as easy as can be and fast!

Sunday: Grilled Lemon-Pepper Salmon in Foil with Tomato Salad with Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette
Monday: Avocado & Corn Salad
Tuesday: Grilled Lime Chicken with Watermelon Salsa
Wednesday: Easy Sauteed Fish with Cantaloupe & Cucumber Salad with Fresh Za'atar (That gorgeous image above!)
Thursday: Black Beans & Corn with Poached Eggs
Friday: Roasted Eggplant Pasta

You can also view all of the recipes here.

Meal-Prep Snacks

This 3-ingredient treat is a refreshing and fun way to stay hydrated. It's made entirely of fruit, so no need to worry about added sugars here. Make a double batch and enjoy this fruit-forward treat all week long.

Get the Recipe: Strawberry-Mango Nice Cream

Treat Yourself

Technically, alcohol can be dehydrating, especially if you drink too much. But if you enjoy just one (or two) drinks and include some extra-hydrating ingredients, that can help! These zesty Jalapeño-Watermelon Margaritas are a yummy way to cool off on those hot nights.

Get the Recipe: Jalapeño-Watermelon Margaritas

I hope you all have a safe and happy week, and if you have any questions or requests for future newsletters, please let me know by emailing ThePrep@eatingwell.com!