How to Eat In A Heatwave: 15 Main Rules

The sun has been beating down on us this whole summer, and while it’s easy to stuff your face with ice cream, doing so will probably just make you feel more lightheaded during a heat wave.

In fact, many of us don’t have an appetite at all in very hot weather. This is because our body is attempting to regulate its temperature by reducing digestion, which generates heat in the body. To keep your cool as the weather soars beyond 30 Celsius, follow these nutritionist-vetted tips.

1. H2O

Drink as much water as possible. This means 6-8 glasses or as much as you can tolerate. You can accomplish this through tap water and drinks like milk, but dairy might way you down in the hot weather.

2. Sports drinks

Drink energy beverages and sports drinks if you’re doing a workout outside. You don’t have to stop exercising completely in a heatwave, but staying hydrated and holding onto your electrolytes is essential. Fill them with ice cubes containing frozen fruit or yummy herbs like mint or basil, to stay cool and get some flavor.

3. Foods with water

Eat light and hydrating foods. They will keep you energized throughout the day. This includes strawberries, melon, lettuce, cucumber, and celery. Who doesn’t love a refreshing glass of cucumber water or a fruit smoothie?

4. Make winter meals summer appropriate

Turn winter entrees into summer ones! Winter meals typically include hydrating (but hot) meals such as oatmeal, soup, and stews. Cool those foods down and use seasonal summer ingredients to stay nourished and keep that thirst quenched. A gazpacho soup will cool you down, as will a pea and mint soup.

5. Soak it all in citrus

Add citrus-based marinades to meat and fish. By doing so, you break down the protein structure and make fiber in these meats more digestible. Plus, who doesn’t love a good citrus rub?