In the sweltering summer, adhere to these six dietary principles
The summer heat is unbearable. In such weather, how to eat healthily has become a major concern for many. In the hot summer, on top of paying attention to regulation, it is best to adhere to six major dietary principles.
First, eat at regular times. In summer, you should eat on schedule. You cannot eat whenever you want or skip meals, as this will disrupt the physiological function of the spleen and stomach, inducing stomach problems.
Second, eat lightly. High summer temperatures cause excessive sweating and water intake, which can dilute stomach acid and reduce the secretion of digestive fluids, weakening digestion and leading to loss of appetite. Overindulging in greasy food can harm the spleen and stomach and affect the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Therefore, it is advisable to eat light foods in the summer, such as mung beans, watermelon, buckwheat, jujubes, chicken, duck, goose, crucian carp, soy milk, and pears.
Third, pay attention to food pairing. Summer diets should focus on a reasonable food structure and proper pairing. Fine grains and coarse grains should be well-matched; you should eat coarse grains three times a week. Soft and dry foods should be paired well—for example, have noodles and soy milk for breakfast, rice for lunch, and alternate between dry rice and congee for dinner. Meat and vegetables should be paired well, with a focus on vegetables like greens, melons, and beans, supplemented by meat and seafood.
Fourth, eat medicinal congee. Summer is not the time for heavy tonics. It is best to eat less greasy food and more foods that clear heat and reduce summer heat, such as "summer-relieving medicinal congee" like mung bean congee, hyacinth bean congee, lotus leaf congee, and mint congee.
Fifth, avoid raw and cold foods. In the hot summer, eating some cool food or drinking cold drinks can be refreshing, but these should not be consumed in excess. Too much can damage the spleen and stomach, affect appetite, and even lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction. This is especially important for the elderly and children.
Sixth, avoid overeating. Do not overeat in the summer, and especially not at dinner. The digestive ability of the elderly and children is naturally weak and is even worse in the summer. Eating too much that cannot be digested can easily damage the spleen and stomach, leading to stomach problems.