As temperatures soar, many people struggle to decide what to eat. Nutritionist Lola Biggs, from natural health supplement brand Together Health, has shared which foods to avoid and what to choose instead during a heatwave.
Ice cream and salty snacks to avoid
Ice cream, a popular summer treat, may not help cool you down. Lola Biggs told Metro: 'It may feel cooling in the moment, but ice cream is high in fat and sugar content, which means your body has to work harder to digest it, which can leave you feeling even warmer afterwards.'
For a sweet alternative, she suggests homemade ice lollies or ice cream made by blending frozen berries or bananas with Greek yoghurt, or using coconut water for a lighter, more hydrating option.
Salty crisps and nuts can increase thirst and contribute to dehydration. Biggs explained: 'In the hot weather, these can increase thirst and contribute to dehydration. Their salt content can also encourage water retention, leaving you feeling bloated and uncomfortable.' Paprika-roasted chickpeas are recommended as a crunchy, protein-rich substitute.
White bread and dinner ideas
White bread is also on the avoid list. Biggs noted it is low in water and fibre and can feel heavy, leaving you sluggish. Instead, she recommends lettuce wraps, as iceberg lettuce is around 95 per cent water, filled with cucumber, tomatoes, feta and mint.
For dinner, Biggs advises 'fuss-free' meals like loaded poke bowls with microwave rice or mixed leaves, topped with tuna or salmon, avocado, grated carrot, chickpeas, boiled egg quarters, edamame beans and sesame oil. Another option is smoky tacos with courgettes, black beans, tomatoes, pickled onions, avocado, lettuce, smoked paprika and lime.
The most hydrating dish, according to Biggs, is chilled gazpacho, made by blending ripe tomatoes, cucumber and red peppers, seasoned with salt and pepper. Serve it cold with wholemeal or seeded bread for a light but satisfying dinner packed with vitamins, antioxidants and water.
