When the thermometer climbs, our appetite seems to melt like snow in the sun. Is it just a temporary desire or a very real physiological phenomenon? We asked the question to the dietician-nutritionist Alexandra Murcier.
Can we eat less in summer?
Our expert clearly explains it. “”There is “no problem to eat lighter in summer, you have to listen to and respect your sensations” she confirms.
If the heat cuts you off, it is not a weakness, but a natural reaction. It is explained in several ways.
The body consumes less energy when it is hot
First element: the outside temperature influences the energy needs of our body directly. “”The human body spends energy and therefore burns calories to maintain our body temperature at 37 degrees“Explains Alexandra Murcier. In winter, when it is cold, the body must produce more heat, which requires additional effort and therefore more calories.
But in summer, it’s the opposite. When the room temperature is closer or exceeds 30 ° C, the body almost no longer needs to fight to stay at 37 ° C. Result: it burns less energy, which mechanically reduces the feeling of hunger. A warm, generous or too fatty dish quickly becomes disgusting, because it generates even more internal heat.
It is for this reason that in the middle of August, we are more gladly turning to fresh food, rich in water, and easy to digest.
Light, hormones, mood … summer also disresses the appetite
It is not only a temperature story: hungry hormones also react to the seasons. In summer, the days are longer, the evenings stretch, and that is sometimes enough to desynchronize our appetite.
“”The hormones that regulate appetite are influenced by daylight“Specifies Alexandra Murcier. The brain adjusts her production of leptin (satiety) and ghrelin (hunger) as a function of light cycles. Result: we feel less the need to eat at a fixed time, especially in the evening.
In addition, some people live psychologically badly in winter, especially because of the drop in brightness. This “seasonal depression” pushes to seek comfort in food, often in the form of rich or sweet dishes. In summer, this pressure falls, and the desire to eat healthier comes up naturally.
The abundance of fruits and vegetables pushes us to lighten our meals
You just have to open your fridge or go to the market: summer, available foods change at all. Tomatoes, melons, watermelons, cucumbers, peaches, salads … seasonal products are richer in water, less dense in calories. This simple change of environment conditions us to eat lighter.
“”There is greater availability of low energy density foods, so we are a little culturally conditioned to eat lighter “ Observe Alexandra Murcier. Clearly: the season and summer habits naturally push us to a less caloric diet, without even realizing it.
But beware, eating less does not mean not to eat at all. The nutritionist recalls that it is important not to skip meals, even if the appetite is at half mast. Ideal? Adapt the portions, vary the textures, and favor moisturizing foods.