As the Indian summer intensifies, many of us notice a dip in our appetite. This is a natural physiological response to the sweltering heat. Our bodies prioritise cooling down over digesting food, leading to a decreased desire to eat. Understanding why this happens and how to stay nourished despite a lower appetite is crucial for maintaining energy levels and overall health during the hot months. Why does appetite decrease in summer? It’s a question many of us ask ourselves as the mercury rises.
The Science Behind Summer Appetite Loss
A hot boiling external environment means that our internal thermostat has to work harder, meaning more energy is diverted to body temperature control instead of digestion or other metabolic activities. This can cause energy being used and individuals feeling more exhausted. In addition to feeling exhausted, summer also comes with spending extended periods outdoors, and naturally leads to consuming more fluids due to increased thirst. Reaching for a drink or two assists with managing body temperature.
Staying Nourished in the Heat: Light and Healthy Summer Meals
We must remember to provide our body with the essential nutrients it requires, especially during summer when appetite tends to decrease. Focus on eating light meals that are complete with vitamins and minerals. Choose foods that are refreshing. The best foods to consume in summer are hydrating fruits and vegetables, especially those with high water content. Foods that are light, easy to eat, and packed to the brim with nutrients are best consumed when appetite is low.
Here are some tips for staying nourished despite a lower appetite:
- Embrace Seasonal Produce: Watermelon, cucumbers, mangoes, and leafy greens are in season during the summer, providing a refreshing burst of flavour. These foods serve as some of the best to eat when not feeling hungry. Not only are they delicious, but they also have a high water content and will keep you full.
- Prioritise Hydrating Foods: Cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, spinach, and watermelon are great at keeping you hydrated. Including these hydrating foods into your diet helps solve the question of how to stay nourished in hot weather.
- Choose Light and Easy-to-Digest Meals: For midsummer, salads, soups, and smoothies are preferrable since they are easy to prepare and healthy at the same time. The meals do not slow down and take a toll on the digestive system since they provide necessary nutrients without heaviness.
- Focus on Nutrient Density: Smaller portion sizes should not mean less nutrients in a meal. Lean proteins, whole grains, and wholesome oils should still be included. This helps address why does appetite decrease in summer by ensuring important nutrients are supplied even with limited food options.
The Power of Small, Balanced Meals and Hydration
Rather than having three big meals, try to spread meal consumption throughout the day. It can be less energy consuming for the digestive system while keeping energy levels steady. Keeping hydrated is critical during summer. Make sure to always have a water bottle with you so you can sip on it throughout the day. Other good options for hydration are coconut water, buttermilk, and lemon water. These strategies are essential in how to stay nourished in hot weather.
- Smaller, More Frequent Meals: This can promote sustained energy levels while preventing exhaustion or overeating. Also helps address why does appetite decrease in summer in a supportive way.
- Consistent Hydration: Make it a point to consume enough water and other fluids on a daily basis. This is how a person attempts to stay nourished during high temperature periods.
- Electrolyte Balance: Try to use or add food dosage of electrolytes to enhances minerals exhausted through perspiration.
Listening to Your Body: The Key to Summer Wellness
As mentioned, no approach is better for health over the summer than paying close attention to how your body feels. Don’t make the mistake of eating when you are not hungry. Nevertheless, maintain hydration and aim to eat enough wholesome foods, so that you do not feel sluggish. Maintaining dietary balance through refreshing and nutritious summer foods including fruits helps keep one energized during the blistering heat. Knowing why we don’t feel hungry in summer aids us in being able to adjust our consumption accordingly. Always remember, great foods to have during these moments are light, easy to digest, refreshing, and highly positive.
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