The heat brings some challenges: sleep becomes more difficult, the sun is stronger and appetite often changes. There are people who during hot days give up cooking and live with small things, but if you still want to eat something healthy, the choice of foods is important.

Dietologist Lola Biggs has told Metro what she recommends eating during a heat wave and which foods she would avoid. Yes, on the list of things she doesn’t suggest is one of summer’s most classic pleasures: ice cream.

According to her, ice cream may seem refreshing in the moment, but it’s not necessarily the best choice when it’s really hot.

“It may seem like it’s cooling you in the moment, but ice cream is high in fat and sugar, which means your body has to work harder to digest it. This can make you have more heat afterwards,” she explains.

Instead, for those who want something sweet and refreshing, Biggs suggests homemade ice cream or ice lollies. For example, you can mix frozen fruit, like berries or bananas, with Greek yogurt for a creamier texture. Another lighter alternative is coconut water, which is more hydrating and has less added sugar.

Another category that dietitians would avoid during the heat are very salty foods, such as chips or salted dried fruit. They may seem perfect for eating in front of the TV, especially when there’s a World Cup game or a night out with friends, but she says they’re not the best choice when the temperatures are high.

“In hot weather, these foods can increase thirst and contribute to dehydration. The high salt content can also promote water retention, making you feel bloated,” she says. her.

To get the same crunchy sensation, she suggests paprika-roasted chickpeas: they’re easy to prepare, have protein like nuts and contain fiber, which helps keep you feeling fuller for longer.

White bread is also another food Biggs advises avoiding on very hot days. According to her, white bread is low in water and fiber and can be heavy on the stomach, making you sluggish in the heat. Instead, she suggests lighter alternatives, like salad greens.

A green salad, for example, contains about 95% water, so it’s a more refreshing choice. You can fill it with cucumber, tomato, feta cheese, mint and a little lemon for more freshness.

And for dinner, what can you eat when it’s hot?

Dietology suggests simple and effortless meals. One idea is “poke bowls”, because they are prepared quickly and can be rich in protein. She suggests using plain rice or lettuce, then adding tuna or salmon, avocado, grated carrot, chickpeas, hard-boiled egg and a little sesame oil. According to her, it’s a nutritious, hydrating meal that’s ready in minutes.

Another idea is light tacos with thinly sliced ​​squash, black beans, tomatoes, marinated onions, avocado, lettuce, smoked paprika and a little lime.

But the most hydrating dish, according to her, is cold gazpacho. To prepare it, you need ripe tomatoes, cucumber and red peppers, which you can put in a blender with a little salt and black pepper. Serve cold, with some wholemeal bread or seeds, for a light but complete dinner, rich in vitamins, antioxidants and water.

In short, when it’s very hot, the idea is not to eat at all, but to choose foods that don’t tire the body more. The lighter, the more moisturizing and the less processed, the better.

Source: prizrenpost