What to eat for dinner in summer - Ukrainian nutritionist answers
What is healthy to eat for dinner in summer (photo: Freepik)
During the hot season, the body needs lighter food, but it's important not to lose the balance of nutrients. What makes for the best summer dinner for health, energy, and good shape? This was explained in an interview with RBC-Ukraine by Halyna Anokhina, gastroenterologist and dietitian, Honored Doctor of Ukraine, Doctor of Medical Sciences, and Professor.
Healthy dinner options
According to the expert, it's not a big deal if someone skips lunch in summer. In that case, it's important to have the right dinner that is not too heavy.
It's best to eat light meals rich in protein for dinner. This is because the body restores damaged tissues at night.
During the day, energy is spent on movement and work. Fats and carbohydrates are the main sources used during the day.
"Night is the time for recovery, since a certain number of cells die throughout the day. At night, the body 'repairs' what was lost. And for that, the body needs protein. After all, practically all cells and tissues in our body are made of protein," Anokhina explained.
The expert added that good dinner choices include an omelet with vegetables or a piece of chicken with vegetables. It's important not to eat too many carbohydrates in the evening. It's better to consume them in the morning or at lunch, when the body needs more glucose.
The dietitian also noted that this way of eating should apply regardless of the season.
What to eat in summer
In the summer heat, the body loses sodium through sweat. The adrenal glands react negatively to sodium loss. So, food should be slightly saltier. But only if there are no health contraindications.
Keep in mind that the recommended daily salt intake is 5 grams (about 1 teaspoon).
It's also essential to maintain proper hydration, so drink more fluids in hot weather to prevent dehydration.
Many fruits and vegetables have high water content. For example:
- Cucumbers – 96% water
- Celery – 95%
- Tomatoes – 94%
- Zucchini – 94%
- Watermelon – 92%
- Melon – 90%
- Grapefruit – 90%
- Pineapple – 86%
- Peaches and apricots – 85-89%
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
