Summer eating doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or sitting on the sidelines while everyone else enjoys seasonal favorites. Many classic summer foods – citrus fruits, tomato-heavy dishes and spicy barbeque – can trigger IC symptoms, but plenty of delicious options are IC friendly, and you might be overlooking them.

Give these five IC-friendly summer foods a try this season. They’ll keep you cool and satisfied without making your bladder flare.

Some might take just a bit of tweaking, but not much! Everything is in the “Usually Bladder Friendly” category of the ICN Food List unless otherwise marked.

Zucchini

Zucchini isn’t a flashy veggie, but it is fresh in summertime and one of the most dependable IC-friendly vegetables out there. Zucchini is hydrating, easy to digest and takes on whatever flavors you pair it with.

Chances are if you know someone with a zucchini garden (or have your own), you’ll find plenty to spare. If not, hit up your local farmers’ market or grocery store.

Zucchini is super versatile. You can spiralize it into zoodles to use like pasta (or buy it frozen and already spiralized). Or roast it on the grill or in the oven doused with a bit of olive and IC-friendly seasonings like salt, dill, garlic, oregano or basil.

And, of course, you fresh zucchini bread or muffins are other great options.

These IC-friendly zucchini recipes can have you enjoying the seasonal veggie in no time!

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are hydration you can eat, which is perfect for hot summer weather. They’ve got a mild flavor and minimal calories as well making them a perfect summer snack.

Slice up some cucumbers and snack away. You can add a bit of salt if you like. Or dice them and add them into a salad with an IC-friendly salad dressing.

And don’t forget that cucumbers can give your water flavor. Just add some thin slices in with your ice water and enjoy!

Give some of these recipes a try to enjoy cucumbers.

Shrimp

Lots of proteins are IC-friendly, but one we don’t talk about as much is shrimp. Summer is a great time to enjoy seafood, especially one that can be made on the grill or served cold. It’s perfect for getting lots of healthy protein.

Shrimp itself is fine for most IC bladders. The issue comes with dips and seasonings. Watch out for tomato-based dips, spicy seasonings and vinegar-based marinades (like barbeque) and you should be good to go.

Cook shrimp on the grill for about two to three minutes per side or try some of these delectable recipes this summer.

Watermelon

When it comes to staying cool and satisfied in the summer, watermelon is a true MVP. Plus it’s a sweet and hydrating fruit many IC patients tolerate well.

Watermelon is over 90% water, making it an excellent choice for hot days when hydration is key. Even better, watermelon satisfies sweet cravings without resorting to acidic or processed treats.

Enjoy it chilled in cubes, blended into an icy slush with a bit of water and ice or served in fun shapes for summer parties. For a fancier twist, pair watermelon with mild mozzarella or cottage cheese for a refreshing and satisfying snack that feels a little gourmet.

You can also try kicking it up a notch with one of these watermelon recipes.

Corn

Corn basically tastes like summer since it’s the best time of year to enjoy sweet kernels. Plus, it’s IC friendly. Win-win!

Fresh corn is naturally sweet, filling and way more versatile than it gets credit for. It’s a great addition to salads and sides plus gives you fiber and essential nutrients to boost.

Pick up some fresh corn, stick with IC friendly seasonings and try some of these scrumptious corn recipes this summer.