When temperatures climb into the 30s, many people automatically lose their appetite. The body tells itself something different in the heat than in the winter. Instead of heavy sauces, fried steaks or hearty dinners, he prefers lighter and juicier dishes. It’s not a coincidence.
When they reign outside most people automatically reach for ice cream or an ice-cold drink. But this may not always be the best way to relieve the body. Experts point out that the composition of the menu plays a much bigger role. Some foods unnecessarily burden the organism, while others help with hydration, support digestion and induce a more pleasant feeling of freshness on hot days.
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June is the ideal time when you can use vegetables and light meals that provide the body with everything it needs without feeling heavy.
Bet on fruit full of water
The best summer foods include fruits with a high water content. Strawberries, cherries, watermelon or berries are not only refreshing, but at the same time help replenish the fluids that the body loses through sweat during the heat.
That’s why a bowl of fresh fruit is a much better snack than sugary cookies or heavy desserts.
Salads and raw vegetables play a major role in summer
Cucumbers, salads, courgettes or celery stalks contain a large amount of water and at the same time do not burden digestion.
A light vegetable salad is much more pleasant during hot days than fried foods or thick sauces.
Another advantage is that most of these raw materials do not need to be heat treated for a long time.
Kefir, buttermilk and yogurt are great choices
Fermented milk products are among the traditional summer foods. Kefir, buttermilk or white yogurt are light, refreshing and at the same time support digestion.
It is no coincidence that popular cold soups are made from kefir, which are back in fashion in the summer.
Cold soups are not just a fashion trend
Gazpacho, cucumber soups or other cold vegetable options have one big advantage. It fills up, but does not burden the organism as much as a classic hot lunch. In addition, they help replenish fluids and minerals. That is why they are a common part of the summer menu in southern countries.
Beware of heavy and fried foods
High temperatures are not the ideal time for fried steaks, fatty sauces or heavy meat dishes.
Such foods require more demanding digestion and can increase the feeling of fatigue and discomfort. It is also recommended to limit alcohol and excessively sweetened drinks, which can contribute to dehydration.
Even iced drinks aren’t always a win
Surprisingly, it is not recommended to drink only ice-cold drinks in the heat. This is because the body often accepts lukewarm liquids or light herbal teas better.
Slices of lemon, cucumber or fresh mint can be added to the water to give the drink a refreshing taste without unnecessary sugar.
“If you have a ripe watermelon at home, try to make a simple summer drink from it. Just mix it with a few mint leaves, lime juice and a little sparkling water. It will create a light refreshment that pleasantly replenishes liquids on hot days and tastes much fresher than ordinary sweet lemonades,” advises chef David Šlapák.
During the June and summer heat, it pays to bet on simplicity. Fresh fruits, vegetables, light salads, fermented milk products and plenty of fluids will help the body cope with high temperatures much better than heavy meals.
