What to Eat in Summer According to Ayurveda
As the sun shines brighter and temperatures soar, the arrival of summer invites us to embrace the bountiful gifts of nature. According to Ayurveda, an ancient Indian holistic system of medicine, adjusting our diet and lifestyle to align with the changing seasons is essential for maintaining balance and optimal well-being. Summer, with its fiery and energetic qualities, calls for specific dietary choices that can help us stay cool, energized, and nourished. In this blog post, we will explore Ayurvedic principles and practical tips for eating in summer, empowering you to embrace this vibrant season while nurturing your body and mind.
Understand Your Dosha
In Ayurveda, each individual has a unique constitution or dosha, known as Vata, Pitta, or Kapha. Understanding your dominant dosha can guide your dietary choices in summer. Pitta, associated with fire and heat, tends to be more aggravated during this season. Cooling foods and beverages are particularly beneficial for pacifying Pitta and maintaining balance. If you wish to understand your constitution, you should schedule a consultation with an ayurvedic practitioner. There are a lot of quizzes out online you can take. Unfortunately, the answer you will get might not be accurate. Why? Because when you answer the questions, the part of you that is answering might be your imbalance, and not your inherent nature. For instance, if you used to sweat a lot as a child, and started to sweat much less in adulthood, it is possible that the lack of sweating is an imbalance.
Embrace Cooling Foods
During summer, prioritize foods that have a cooling effect on the body. Opt for hydrating fruits like watermelon, cucumber, and coconut, which not only quench your thirst but also help cool Pitta. Incorporate leafy greens, such as cilantro and mint, into your meals for their refreshing properties. Savor juicy, seasonal berries and succulent peaches for their natural sweetness and cooling nature.
Sip on Herbal Infusions
Beat the summer heat by enjoying cooling herbal infusions and teas. Brew refreshing beverages using herbs like mint, coriander, fennel, and rose petals. These infusions not only offer a delightful taste but also aid digestion and help maintain a balanced body temperature. Did you know that hibiscus tea is amazing in summer? it is coolant, refrigerant, and it helps with producing cough! Find dry hibiscus flower. You might even have some growing in your garden.
Mindful Food Combining
Ayurveda emphasizes mindful food combining to support optimal digestion. During summer, it is advisable to avoid heavy and oily meals that can overwhelm the digestive fire. Instead, favor lighter meals comprising whole grains, legumes, and fresh vegetables. Experiment with seasonal salads and nourishing grain bowls to create a balanced and satisfying plate. Also, milk is recommended in summer because it is Pitta pacifying. Have a glass of milk in the middle of the afternoon, or at bedtime. Do not combine it with your lunch though, as dairy can sometimes react to other ingredients in your meals. Indeed, viruddha ahara, or wrong food combination, is very important in Ayurveda. For instance, you need to avoid combining dairy and meat, dairy and fish, sour fruits and milk. these are some basic principles, but be aware that viruddha ahara is one of the first source of indigestion.
Timing and Portion Control
Ayurveda places importance on meal timing and portion control. In summer, aim to have your main meal when your digestive fire is the strongest, like lunchtime. Avoid heavy meals late at night as they can disrupt digestion and disturb your sleep. Opt for 3 meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a fruit or light snack in between if you are hungry. In summer, since the digestive fire is weaker than during other season, eat smaller meals that are easy to digest, allowing your body to efficiently metabolize the food and extract nourishment. The best guideline is to listen to your gut. It will tell you when it is time to stop eating. For me, the moment my mind says that I “COULD” stop eating, it means that this is it. Perhaps your signal will be different. Take some time to know what the signal is for you.