Lighten up and cool off.

As the summer heats things up in the northern hemisphere notice a deep and intrinsic craving to lighten up and cool off. If you tend towards overheating with red rashes on your skin, acid indigestion, irritability or feeling short-fused – perk up.

This is for you.

The qualities of summer can feel hot, sharp and oily. It’s the pitta season. The energy moves up and in. There is a natural fire burning with the sun so close and it’s reflected in your body, mind, and spirit. Your dietary choices along with your other daily habits will have a huge impact.

Here are a few considerations to keep cool physically and mentally as you enter the summer.

Favor the Following Foods

Apples
Berries
Beets
Chickpeas
Corn (non-gmo)
Cucumber
Dates
Greens
Fennel
Hemp seeds
Lettuce
Melons
Peaches
Plums
Quinoa
Summer squashes + zucchini
White beans

Herbs and Spices Such As

Basil
Cardamom
Cilantro
Coriander
Dill
Mint
Parsley
Thyme

Fats

Avocado
Everything Coconut (milk, oil, shredded, water, etc)
Goat Cheese

Did you know that eating and drinking greens actually is cooling for your blood?

Simple Summer Meal Suggestions

Hummus
Sweet Pea Guacamole
Avocado Cilantro Soup
Quinoa salad
Cilantro/mint chutney

Cucumber Mint Limeade

Ingredients

Juice of 1 lime
A handful of mint
2 cucumbers
Handful of greens
¼ c pineapple
2 cups coconut water

(Inspired by The Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook)

Directions

Pour all ingredients in your blender and liquify. Avoid too much ice in the summer. While it seems like a good idea, it can create havoc in your digestive system. Garnish with a sprig of mint and lime.

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Rachel Peters is a yoga teacher, yoga health coach, lifestyle and habits expert, easeful living advocate, and lover of wild places. She leads others towards Embodying Ease through a yearlong wellness & lifestyle journey to dissolve perfectionism, embody daily habits that promote mental clarity, overall ease, and deeper connection to life on this wild ride of modern living. Learn MORE today!