From the moment summertime makes its debut, it’s time to enjoy the warmer weather and spend more time outdoors. Summer plans are made, and fun times are on the horizon, but have you ever noticed your appetite and cravings change with the warm summer weather? It’s important to understand how the summer months can impact your overall health routine, including your appetite and food choices.
Why are People Less Hungry in the Summer?
Research shows that “thermoregulation,” or body heat regulation, is a reason people don’t want to eat as much or as often in warmer weather. Essentially, our bodies need food to gain energy, which helps increase your body’s internal temperature. While we increase our food intake during the winter to help our bodies regulate our internal temperature more, the warmer weather in the summer does not require the same amount of food to keep our body warm. This typically results in you wanting to make lighter choices around mealtime.
However, there are also many external factors that can affect your dietary needs. An increase in activity can make you crave more hydrating, light foods like fruit or salad. You may also prefer to eat smaller meals more often depending on your busy summer schedule. No matter the reasoning, your dietary wants and needs can differ in the summer.
How Catfish Can Fit into Your Summer Routine
There are many foods or food combinations that can provide all the nutrients you need. Catfish is a great option for people looking to get all the necessary nutrients their bodies need while still eating a light, but delicious dish. One serving of catfish provides almost half of the daily recommended protein for adults. Catfish also contains many daily recommended vitamins and minerals as well as the healthy fats your body needs. A versatile protein option, catfish can be incorporated into several diets such as keto, Whole30 and gluten-free. Plus, farm-raised catfish are low in mercury so even pregnant women can enjoy them!
Also, catfish can be quickly prepared and can fit into even the busiest of schedules. Between kids’ activities and the warm weather, the last thing you want to do is be stuck indoors cooking for hours on end. Heartland’s fresh and frozen catfish options serve as a light, healthy option and our quick and easy recipes may save you time in the kitchen.
Want to try catfish? Some of our favorite catfish recipes include our Baked Summer Catfish Rolls and Cedar Plank Grilled Catfish with Cilantro Lime Sauce. Give them a try and check out some of our other recipes!
