![\"Dietitian](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_302549254-ae07.jpg\")
\n\t\tLola has shared what she eats during a heatwave (Picture: Lola Biggs\/Together Health)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tLola has shared what she eats during a heatwave (Picture: Lola Biggs\/Together Health)<\/p>\n
From struggling to sleep<\/a> to avoiding sunburn<\/a>, various challenges come with extreme hot weather<\/a> \u2013 which we\u2019ve seen plenty of this summer.<\/a><\/p>\n And one thing that many find particularly difficult is working out what to eat when you\u2019re already feeling uncomfortable. <\/p>\n Many people give up on cooking<\/a> altogether when temperatures rise and just live on picky bits, but if you\u2019re still keen to have a proper meal, then you\u2019re going to want to keep on reading.<\/p>\n That\u2019s because a nutritionist has shared the food<\/a> she recommends having in a heatwave<\/a> \u2013 and what she would avoid at all costs.<\/p>\n And there\u2019s a surprising summer<\/a> treat that she says we should all be skipping \u2013 for a good reason. <\/p>\n Food to avoid during a heatwave<\/p>\n \t\t \t\t\t\t\tAsk Metro<\/p>\n Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about \u2013 powered by Metro and trusted publications.<\/p>\n If there\u2019s one thing we\u2019re all reaching for when things heat up, it\u2019s ice cream<\/a> \u2013 be it a Flake 99, a Magnum, or a tub of Ben & Jerry\u2019s.<\/p>\n But, according to Lola Biggs, a nutritionist at natural health supplement brand Together Health<\/a>, this isn\u2019t actually going to cool you down.<\/p>\n She tells Metro<\/strong>: \u2018It may feel cooling in the moment, but ice cream is high in fat and sugar content, which means your body has to work harder to digest it, which can leave you feeling even warmer afterwards.\u2019<\/p>\n So what should you have instead?<\/p>\n For those still wanting to enjoy a sweet treat to cool off, Lola suggests opting for homemade ice lollies or homemade ice cream.\u00a0<\/p>\n To make these, you can blend frozen berries or bananas with Greek<\/a> yoghurt for a creamy texture, or use coconut water for a lighter, more hydrating alternative that\u2019s lower in added sugar and higher in protein.<\/p>\n \t\t \t\t\t\tLatest heatwave news and guidance\t\t\t<\/p>\n To get the latest news on the hot weather, visit Metro’s<\/strong> heatwave hub<\/a>.<\/p>\n Salty crisps and nuts will also be a go-to, as they\u2019re the perfect match snack\u2026 or are they?<\/p>\n While there\u2019s no denying these pair well with a crispy Diet Coke<\/a> or glass of wine after a long day, Lola warns they won\u2019t leave you feeling your best.<\/p>\n \u2018In the hot weather, these can increase thirst and contribute to dehydration,\u2019 she says. \u2018Their salt content can also encourage water retention, leaving you feeling bloated and uncomfortable.\u2019<\/p>\n To get the same satisfying crunch, try paprika-roasted chickpeas instead.<\/p>\n According to Lola, these are \u2018super easy\u2019 to make, and give protein just like nuts, as well as added fibre to keep you feeling fuller for longer.<\/p>\n \t\t And we\u2019re sorry to say that white bread is also something Lola recommends avoiding while it\u2019s hot. <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s low in water and fibre, and can feel heavy and stodgy, leaving you feeling sluggish in hot weather,\u2019 the expert explains.\u00a0<\/p>\n Instead, she would swap it for a lighter option, like crunchy lettuce wraps, which are \u2018naturally hydrating\u2019, as iceberg lettuce is around 95 per cent water.<\/p>\n \u2018Fill it with other water-rich ingredients such as cucumber, tomatoes, feta and mint with a squeeze of lemon for freshness,\u2019 Lola advises.<\/p>\n What should I make for dinner when it\u2019s hot?<\/p>\n \t\t Lola advises going for \u2018fuss-free\u2019 meals, like loaded poke bowls<\/strong>, which are great as you don\u2019t have to do any strenuous cooking and they\u2019re high in protein.<\/p>\n \u2018Use a packet of plain microwave rice or mixed leaves, then top with tuna or salmon, avocado, grated carrot, chickpeas, boiled egg quarters, edamame beans and a drizzle of sesame oil. It\u2019s full of nutrients, hydrating and ready in minutes,\u2019 she suggests.<\/p>\n Another delicious option is smoky tacos<\/strong>, with thinly sliced courgettes, black beans, tomatoes, pickled onions, avocado, iceberg lettuce, smoked paprika, and a squeeze of lime, all piled into crispy taco shells.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2018They\u2019re tasty and flavoursome without the heaviness,\u2019 Lola says.<\/p>\n But the most hydrating dish you could eat, and one of the tastiest, according to Lola, is chilled gazpacho.<\/strong><\/p>\n To make it, you\u2019ll need a blender, into which you\u2019ll add ripe tomatoes, cucumber, and red peppers. Season the veg with a little salt and some black pepper, before blitzing. <\/p>\n Serve this cold with some wholemeal or seeded bread for a light but satisfying dinner that\u2019s packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and water.<\/p>\n Do you have a story you\u2019d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk<\/strong><\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"Classic](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_293932255-ba22.jpg\")
\n\t\tLola doesn\u2019t eat ice cream in a heatwave, unless it\u2019s homemade (Picture: Shutterstock \/ Alizah Smith)<\/p>\n![\"Crispy](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_259294147-f119.jpg\")
\n\t\tSalty crisps are also something she\u2019d ditch as temperatures rise (Picture: Shutterstock \/ Jiri Hera)<\/p>\n![\"Spreading](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_261371932-073b.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe expert recommends avoiding white bread during a heatwave (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Salmon](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SEI_232001058-086d-e1782231178133.jpg\")
\n\t\tPoke bowls are an easy, fuss-free dinner (Picture: Shutterstock \/ Isaphoto2016)<\/p>\n
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