During periods of extreme heat, dietary choices can play a significant role in maintaining comfort and well-being. While there is no nutritional need to increase protein intake during a heatwave, consuming it can generate more body heat due to the energy required for digestion. Aisling Daly, a senior lecturer in nutrition at Oxford Brookes University, suggests that foods like fruit, vegetables, and carbohydrates are easier for the body to process and thus produce less internal heat.
For those seeking protein sources, pre-cooked meats, bean salads, eggs, and Greek yogurt are recommended. Smoothies, combining fruit, vegetables, and yogurt, can offer a balanced and easily consumed meal. Lighter fish options such as tuna, salmon, and prawns are also suitable. For vegetarians, protein can be obtained from lentils, nuts, milk, tofu, and cheese.
When it comes to cooking, high temperatures can make using conventional ovens unappealing. Appliances like air fryers and slow cookers offer more energy-efficient alternatives. Air fryers use less energy than ovens for cooking smaller items and release less heat into the kitchen due to their smaller size and faster cooking times. Slow cookers, though running for longer periods, are typically more energy-efficient and emit even less heat than air fryers.
These recommendations aim to help individuals manage their body temperature and energy levels through mindful food choices and cooking practices when external temperatures rise.