Heatwave drives Dutch diet advice and Belgian air‑conditioner surge

Health officials in the Netherlands issued practical advice for eating during the upcoming heatwave. They recommend spreading small meals throughout the day, choosing water‑rich foods such as cucumber, watermelon, tomato and iceberg lettuce, and limiting heavy, fatty dishes. Adding a modest amount of salt from sources like broth or olives helps replace electrolytes lost through sweat, while staying hydrated with water, coconut water or homemade lemon‑mint drinks is emphasized. Alcohol and sugary drinks are discouraged.

In Belgium, the same extreme temperatures have triggered a sharp rise in demand for home air‑conditioning systems. Installers report a flood of inquiries, longer waiting lists and the risk of popular models selling out. The surge is driven by more frequent heatwaves, well‑insulated modern homes that retain heat, and the availability of energy‑efficient heat‑pump air‑conditioners that also provide heating in winter. Consumers are urged to act promptly before schedules fill up.