Food in summer: diet to adapt the body to the heat

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By pro_admin

In summer there is a change in temperatures that requires the modification of our diet. During the months of June, July and August temperatures increase, in some cases up to forty degrees, so it is necessary to adapt our eating habits to make the heat more bearable and hydrate our body. For this we must take a diet based on liquids and avoid heavy foods.

Hydrate and refresh

During the summer it is very important that we drink two liters of water a day, at least. Therefore, we must incorporate isotonic drinks, juices, smoothies or crushed vegetables such as gazpacho or vichissoise into our diet.

In addition, it is important to maintain body temperature through cold foods. Sorbets, ice cream, iced tea or coffee and soft drinks are a good alternative.

A light digestion

In those hottest months it is not advisable to consume foods that are difficult to digest. Thus, cereals, vegetables and fruits can be eaten, as long as they are cooked with little fat, to avoid slow digestion. But, on the other hand, we must avoid fried foods, mayonnaise, red meat, dairy and stews, especially if we are going to carry out activities that involve an effort or we are going to take a bath on the beach. It is also important to eat some fresh fruit between meals and not forget to drink water, even if we are not thirsty.

Ideal dishes for summer

Having said all this, we must highlight the nutritious and healthy varieties offered by the Mediterranean diet. In Spanish gastronomy there are excellent dishes that adapt perfectly to a summer diet. Gazpacho, for example, is a tasty and nutritious dish that also refreshes and hydrates us. Also, salads provide a lot of fiber, in addition to being fresh and delicious. Endive, lettuce, cucumber, tomato, beets, carrots, etc. are a great source of vitamins and have the added value that the large amount of beta carotene they contain help us tan our skin during the summer. If we want to complete the salad, we can add chicken, cheese, egg or tuna, foods that will provide us with protein. If we add pasta and potatoes, we will get a salad that will provide us with the necessary carbohydrates to have energy during the day.

As for desserts, fruit salad is ideal, which provides us with enough vitamins, water and fiber to withstand high temperatures and dehydration. We must try to leave aside the cakes and pastries, because from them we will only get a large dose of calories without meeting the need for vitamins and hydration that our body needs in summer. However, if we do not like fruit for its texture, as happens to many children, we can replace it with juices, sorbets or smoothies.

Summer also allows us to taste other sweets such as horchata, meringue milk, ice cream, slushies and smoothies, but although they are delicious and refreshing, we should not abuse them, as they have a high caloric value and a large amount of sugars that can become fat.

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