More or less protein? The foods to get you through a heatwave

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. More or less protein? The foods to get you through a heatwave Image source, GettyByPhilippa RoxbyHealth reporterPublished15 minutes agoAs temperatures exceed 30C (86F) in some parts of the UK this week, the last thing people want to do is turn on the oven. Not only can cooking in hot weather feel like a chore, but many of us find ourselves feeling less hungry altogether.

So when the heat gets too much, should we consider changing our diet? Here are four things to think about next time you're hot and hungry. Don't sweat over protein intakeImage source, Arx0ntImage caption, Cooking chicken in an air fryer uses less than half the energy of a conventional oven"There's no need for more protein in a heatwave," says Aisling Daly, senior lecturer in nutrition at Oxford Brookes University.

The Details

But if you fancy it, most protein will need cooking (like meat, chicken and fish) and that can be off-putting in the heat. Even an outdoor BBQ can be too hot to handle. Cooking a chicken leg or a potato in the worktop device uses less than half the energy of a conventional oven, according to Radio 4's Sliced Bread.

And because they are smaller and speedier, they also pump less heat into your kitchen. But experts say don't forget about your slightly less fashionable slow cooker - likely buried in the back of your cupboard. Even though they run for longer, they're typically more energy efficient and release even less heat than the air fryer.

The reality, though, is that simply by eating and digesting protein, our bodies produce more heat than other food groups. That's due to the energy needed by the stomach, intestines and liver to break down and absorb these complex molecules. So that steak you crave will only bring you out in a sweat.

What Experts Say

Try fruit, veg and carbs instead - as all are easier to digest. Dr Daly recommends pre-cooked meats, alongside things like bean salads, eggs and plenty of Greek yoghurt (frozen too). Making a smoothie by blending up fruit, veg and yogurt (while adding in peanut butter for protein) can provide a balanced, nutritious meal in an easy way.

And it might also be time to turn to some lighter fish, such as tuna, salmon or prawns. For vegetarians, you can get your protein from lentils, nuts, milk, tofu and cheese too. Eat your water When it's hot, we lose water when we sweat, so we need to replace it or we become dehydrated.

Six to eight glasses of fluid a day is normally recommended by the NHS,, external and in a heatwave you could need a lot more. "There is no single amount that suits everyone, because how much fluid your body needs depends on lots of factors like your age, body size, activity levels and health status," says Dr Charlotte Mills, food and nutrition scientist at the University of Reading. World Cup footballers aren't the only ones who benefit from hydration breaks: other athletes and pregnant and breastfeeding women are among those who need to drink more.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.