Why Appetite Changes in the Summer

Have you been loving the summer weather but have found your appetite changing? Have you found yourself not hungry throughout the day and if you do want something, it’s a cold beer, ice cream or something blended? If what I described is how you have been feeling than this article is for you.

This past month when I have talked to my clients for their check in, they all have said similar things. The conversation goes something like this.” I spent my day outside doing yard work and sanding my deck. I got distracted with my work and forgot to eat. I really haven’t had much of an appetite; this heat is killing me. By the time I am hungry its later in the day and by that point I’m starving. I demolish anything in the pantry or wanting to cool off with a cold beer.”

First, let’s talk about why your appetite has been changing. In hot weather your body is already working to keep your body cool. When we eat, our body also burns calories digesting our food, which can cause our body to generate more heat. The brain is responsible for regulating appetite along with controlling body temperature. The warmer we are the more our body will suppress the appetite in order to cut down on heat.

Sweating is the bodies way to cool and ventilate itself. When we sweat, we are losing fluids along with electrolytes. This can cause the body to be dehydrated, which can leave people feeling, fatigued, groggy, give muscle cramps, and headaches. The most common reason people crave cold drinks in the heat is because their body is needing to be rehydrated and is wanting calories that are easy to digest.

All of my clients tend to say the same things

#1 The weather is changing their appetite. #2 When they do decide to eat, they are so hungry they demolish everything #3 Their alcohol consumption has gone up #4 Their energy levels have gone down.

We already talked about why the weather is changing appetite. Once your body is able to cool off, your appetite will no longer be suppressed, and hunger will come back like usual. Liquid calories are the easiest to digest and can give the body quick calories. Energy levels can feel low from multiple days of eating low nutrients or not enough calories for the level activity being done.

One of the easiest ways to help improve energy and hydration are try eating the summer fruit ands vegetables in season. Foods high in water content are light, easier to digest and provide the body with great hydration. Fruit is full of vitamin, minerals, and simple sugars to help boost energy. Pineapple, berries mangos, cherries, melons are just a few of the summer favorites.

Eat smaller meals throughout the day. Try to avoid foods that are high in fat, fried, or super high in protein. Fruit, salads, pasta salads, trail mix, smoothies, sandwiches, pb&J sandwiches are a few snacks to much on throughout the day to give energy with out causing people to feel weighed down. Remember alcohol dehydrates the body, for each alcoholic beverage aim to have a full glass of water before each refill 😊

Enjoy your summer but don't forget to hydrate and fuel your body in the process.