By Janel Esplin
janel@newsroom.byu.edu
The weather is heating up outside and some people's eating habits seem to be affected by the season.
Ann Zarkou, a junior from Boise, Idaho, majoring in exercise science, is one such person.
'I find myself eating healthier foods in the summer. Lighter foods like fruits, vegetables, and water are just more appealing to me than sweets,' Zarkou said.
While some may eat healthier in the summer, others find they simply eat a lot less when the sun is out.
'I'm just not as hungry in the summer, so I eat less,' said Amy Chidester, a junior from Moss Beach, Calif., majoring in dance.
'In the winter when I'm just sitting in the house, I eat because there is nothing else to do, but in the summer I'm more active,' she said.
The Mayo Clinic Web site stated that hot summer weather can actually affect the appetite.
However, the Web site also pointed out that while some people may not be as hungry, it is important to still maintain good nutrition.
The Radiant Life Web site recommended a general summer diet packed with fruits and vegetables.
According to the site, fruits and vegetables are essential because these foods provide the nutrients necessary to keep people going in the hot months of summer.
Dr. Ellington Darden, a content provider to the nutrition and health Web site www.classicx.com, said that increased activity in the summer naturally causes people to eat more fruits, vegetables and to drink more water.
Darden also said those who do not carry water bottles around with them during the summer months, should.
'You may not think of water as food, but it's the most critical nutrient in your daily life. Many people take it for granted,' he said.
Darden said benefits will come by eating healthier and drinking a lot of water, especially in the summertime.
'You can expect to feel more energetic, less fatigued, smoother skinned and more satiated,' he said.
Zarkou and Chidester both said that they can feel the benefits of drinking a lot of water and eating healthier in the summertime.
'My water bottle never leaves my side. Without it, I wouldn't make it through the day,' Chidester said.