Longer days, warmer weather and busy plans can all affect your eating schedule in the summer. But did you know that there’s also a scientific reason for decreased appetite in warm weather?

Some people experience a drop in appetite in summer or when on holidays in a warmer climate! If you are one of these people there’s likely a combination of social and physiological factors at play.

The scientific concept behind weather changes affecting appetite is thermoregulation.

Thermoregulation is the process by which human beings are able to maintain and self regulate their body temperature even when external temperatures fluctuate. Food provides the body with calories, an energy source, which in turn is utilised by the body to produce heat and maintain thermoregulation.

So, in theory, people require less food in warmer weather to produce heat and maintain internal temperature than they would in the colder months. As a result, some people may notice their appetite being suppressed in the summer.

Thermoregulation may also have something to do with the shift in food cravings in summer. Have you ever craved “lighter” foods in the summer, such as fruits and vegetables? This may be because they produce less heat in the body than other foods such as meats and fats. Also, fruits and vegetables have a high moisture content, adding to overall water intake and contributing a small amount to the body's hydration needs. They also taste refreshing in warmer weather, especially if you’ve been sweating!

Social and lifestyle factors can also influence appetite in the summer. For one, you may spend more time out of the house socialising with friends, or change your habits to include more time outdoors and therefore have less structured eating times. This may result in fewer meal times and snacks on days where you are otherwise occupied.

In general, it’s usual for some to feel less hungry in the warmer weather that comes with summer time. But it’s important to ensure you’re still getting enough calories and fluids.

If you struggle to meet your nutritional requirements in the summer (or anytime), things that can help are; eating more frequently and eating a number of smaller meals throughout the day.

GourmetFuel has a range of summer salads and light snacks perfect for summer time which you can see here: Goats cheese, pine nut and cranberry salad, Roasted sweet potato and feta salad, Chicken caesar salad, Healthy snacks.   

• - benefitsofnutrition
• - howtobehealthy