While we all love the summer – especially when we’re off work and able to take full advantage of it! – it also brings a big challenge: heat. The hot weather can really affect our productivity, as everything becomes just that little more difficult. It becomes harder to find the right, light and airy outfit that won’t have us dripping in sweat by the time we reach the office; we have to pay extra attention to our make-up to stop it from running down our face; sitting behind the computer becomes a challenge as electronic gadgets tend to add more heat to the room; and moving from A to Z becomes a chore when there is no air-co involved.

Add to all that, the fact that the hearty meals you usually prefer for lunch will weigh heavy on your productivity, and even finding the right foods will become more complicated during the summer. If you want to find a way to satisfy your hunger without falling victim to the after-lunch-dip, here are three light summer recipes that will do the trick.

Colourful Salads

If you’re an avid meat-eater, you may have considered salad as nothing more than a starter or rabbit food until now. During the summer season, however, colorful, cold salads will become your best friend – crunchy, refreshing and full of vitamins, salads are the ideal meal to keep you light and focused whilst stilling your hunger. If you’re not usually a fan of salads, get creative – you can add anything you want including meat, tofu or chickpeas for heartier ingredients and delicious dressings for that extra kick.

Gazpacho

The Spanish know a thing or two about surviving the raging heat of the summer, and Gazpacho – a delicious, cold vegetable soup – plays a huge role in siesta-traditions and hot summer nights. Made with fresh tomatoes, paprika, garlic, onions, bread and spices, gazpacho will give you the cool energy boost you’ll be craving come lunch time. Drink a pint of it on its own or have a light sandwich or hummus and vegetable sticks on the side.

Fruit Bowls

If you find yourself faced with a real dog day, the type that will have you sticking to your chair and breaking into a sweat every time you as much as lift a finger, chances are your appetite will be at an all time low. If you can’t bring yourself to eat anything but are still in need of a pick-me-up to get you through the day, opt for a fruit bowl for lunch. Slice up all your favourite summer fruits – different types of berries, bananas, kiwi and mango, for example – add a bit of honey, and you’re good to go.