The doctor talked about proper nutrition in the heat

In hot weather, appetite usually decreases: the usual dishes seem heavy, and the feeling of hunger becomes less pronounced. The body slows down the metabolism and reduces the activity of digestive processes to avoid overheating. On June 27, Svetlana Burnatskaya, a general practitioner and occupational therapist at JSC "Medicine" (Academician Roitberg Clinic), shared with Izvestia recommendations on what to do if there is no appetite.

According to the expert, if you don't feel like eating, you shouldn't force yourself. It is better to choose light foods such as vegetables, fruits, berries and greens. They are rich in vitamins and fiber, and also contain a lot of water, which is especially important in the heat.

Salads, in which you can add a little protein, such as eggs, fish, seafood or chicken, will be an ideal option for summer. Light dressings (olive oil or lemon juice) will be preferable to mayonnaise or fatty sauces, the doctor emphasized.

In addition, fermented dairy products such as ayran, tan and kefir are also great for the summer diet. According to Burnacka, they quench thirst and promote digestion. Seafood and fish are ideal sources of protein and healthy fats.

An equally important aspect is the correct choice of drinks. In the summer, it is necessary to drink clean water — at least 1.5–2 liters per day. However, ice water should be avoided, as it can slow down digestion.

"Coffee is no more than once a day, it dehydrates. Soda and sweet juices should be excluded. Replacement options are water with lemon or cucumber, green tea without sugar, freshly squeezed juices diluted with water," the expert said.

As for the time of meals, she said that breakfast should be before 08:00 a.m., lunch before 11:00 a.m., and dinner after 18:00 p.m.

"In summer, the body needs fewer calories and more water. Listen to your body, do not overload it with heavy food and do not drink sugary drinks "for energy." Lightness, simplicity and seasonality are what is important in summer nutrition," the doctor assured.

Fats in the city: why you need to reduce your diet in the summer

Experts have told us which soups and drinks make it easier to tolerate abnormal heat.

On June 3, Evgenia Melnikova, a gastroenterologist at SM Clinic, spoke about the dangers of eating ice cream and lemonade in the heat. According to her, this delicacy has a high proportion of fat and sugar, which can harm the health of those who have chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.