The joys of eating in the Summer! It's my favorite time of the year for Farmers Markets, picking the freshest tomatoes, blueberries, watermelons and peaches! I love the explosion of colors and flavors, and I love preparing summer meals.
Here are some thoughts of balancing the heat and the energy of summer with a diet that is cooling, flavorful and perfectly aligned with the seasonal probciples of Chinese Medicine. Summer is the peak of the Yang energy, hot and fiery, energetic and filled with light. So to stay healthy, we balance that over-abundance with yin nourishing foods:
Fruits and Vegetables
Watermelon: Highly cooling and hydrating, perfect for hot days.
Cucumber: Refreshing and cooling, can be added to salads or eaten as a snack.
Lettuce and Leafy Greens: Include lettuce, spinach, and kale in salads for their cooling properties.
Tomatoes: Great for salads, sandwiches, or as a base for cold soups like gazpacho.
Zucchini: Can be grilled, added to salads, or used in pasta dishes.
Proteins
Tofu: A versatile, low-fat protein that can be used in salads, stir-fries, or soups.
Fish and Seafood: Opt for lighter proteins like fish or seafood instead of heavier meats.
Grains and Legumes
Quinoa and Barley: These grains are cooling and can be used in salads or as side dishes.
Mung Beans: Can be sprouted or cooked and added to salads or soups.
Beverages
Green Tea: Helps disperse summer heat and can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Watermelon Juice: A refreshing and hydrating drink for hot days.
Herbs and Spices
Mint and Basil: Add these to salads, drinks, or as garnishes to help cool the body and promote digestion.
Sample Summer Meal Plan
Breakfast: Smoothie with yogurt, watermelon, and mint.
Lunch: Salad with lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, tofu, and a lemon-mint dressing.
Afternoon Snack: Watermelon slices or a cucumber-mint cooler.
Dinner: Grilled fish with a side of quinoa and steamed zucchini.
Comments