Heavy Soups and Stews: Rich, thick soups and stews that are perfect for cold weather can be too heavy for summer. Opt for lighter, broth-based soups or cold soups like gazpacho instead.
Hot Chocolate and Creamy Beverages: Hot chocolate and other creamy, sugary hot drinks can be too rich and warming for summer. Switch to iced versions or lighter beverages like iced herbal teas.
Rich, Creamy Gravies: Heavy gravies and sauces often feature in winter meals. In summer, these can feel too heavy, so it’s better to choose lighter sauces based on tomatoes, citrus, or herbs.
Root Vegetables: While not necessary to avoid entirely, the dense, hearty quality of root vegetables like turnips, carrots, and potatoes in thick preparations can be replaced with lighter and more water-rich vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
Fatty Meats: Slow-cooked, fatty meats are comforting in winter but can be too much in the heat of summer. Grill leaner cuts of meat, seafood, or poultry instead, which are lighter and healthier.
Spiced and Hot Foods: Foods heavy with heat-producing spices can raise body temperature. While some hot spices can promote sweating (which cools you down as it evaporates), for many people, it's more comfortable to limit these in hot weather.
Baked and Heavy Desserts: Rich desserts like puddings, heavy cakes, and pies can feel too filling when it's hot outside. Consider fresher alternatives like fruit salads, sorbets, or yogurt.
Excessive Caffeine and Alcohol: Both caffeine and alcohol can have diuretic effects, which might not be ideal in summer when you need to stay hydrated. Moderating these and drinking more water or hydrating drinks like coconut water or cucumber-infused water is preferable.