Food Focus: Raw & Cooling Salads

Food Focus:  Raw and Cooling Salads
In summer there is a natural tendency to eat less and lighter foods because we get energy from spending more time outdoors, in the fresh air and being fed from the sun's rays. With summer in full swing, there is no better time than now to have fun creating your own fresh and  tasty salad combinations. By simply tossing together several of your favorite raw veggies in a bowl, naked or with a light dressing, you have a perfect meal for a hot summer’s day. 
Why do we naturally lean towards more fresh and raw foods in the summer? Eating raw fruits and vegetables has a cooling effect on the body. The lightness and high content of water and vitamins work together to act as internal air conditioning system during the summer months. And of course, this is the time of year when the yummy tasting summer veggies and fruits are freshly grown and picked from local farmers markets or your own back yard.
Raw salad combinations are endless. Try your favorite leafy lettuce with different sliced, diced or grated veggies. Fresh herbs are a wonderful option to mix in, as they are packed full of flavor. Try experimenting by adding different forms of protein to your salads, such as nuts, seeds, beans, tofu, fish or poultry. Add a scoop of a whole grain like couscous or barley to really satisfy you. Dressings can be as simple as the juice of a lemon and a pinch of black pepper added to a blended oil and vinegar dressing.
On your next trip to the farmer's market, pick up something new or an item that you haven't bought in some time: Fennel and mint? Daikon radish and arugula? Summer squash with watercress? The list goes on and on, but remember have fun, keep cool and enjoy the bright blue summer sky!