STAYING COOL AND HEALTHY IN THE SUMMER

DIET AND LIFESTYLE TIPS FOR PITTA SEASON

As the summer heat continues in August, it is important to engage in practices that decrease the build up of heat in our body that we have been experiencing throughout the summer.  If we do not cool ourselves down, it may haunt us in the fall, and we can become more susceptible to colds and congestion, especially during the seasonal transition.  Try some of these tips for keeping balanced and cool:

Avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day, Pitta time, from 10 am to 2 pm.

When possible exercise early in the morning, and do not push too hard, ideally 60 to 70% of capacity. 

Summer is a good time to practice restorative back bends, lateral poses, forward bends, inversions and a long savasana. Practice sitali, a cooling and calming breath, any time you feel overheated physically or emotionally.

Foster coolness by softening intensity, relaxing and grounding your energy. Relax in water, spend time in nature. Take walks in moonlight.

Spray rosewater on your face and neck. You can put a drop of essential oil of rose, jasmine or sandalwood on the center of your forehead, neck and navel.

Massage your body with coconut oil 10 minutes or more before showering.

Drink cool drinks, not ice cold. Cool or room temperature water is good plain or with lime juice and/or mint, with a little added raw sugar if desired. Favor herbal teas with mint, fennel, licorice and hibiscus.  Let me know if you want my recipe for Cool Hibiscus Mint Tea or look it up on this blog.

It is all right to sometimes eat ice cream or frozen Popsicles on a hot afternoon, but try to avoid eating ice cream at night.

Eat light foods, favor sweet, bitter and astringent tastes. This is the best time of the year to eat fresh fruit and salads. Good vegetables are zucchini, lettuces, cucumbers, and greens. The best fruits are limes, melons, berries, apples, and grapes. Fresh organic dairy such as whole non homogenized cow's milk, ghee, soft cheeses and yogurt in moderation are beneficial. Good seasonings to use are lime, mint, coriander, (both fresh and powdered), fennel, and cardamom.

Avoid heating, sour and oily foods like fried foods, heavy meats, aged cheeses, and unripe fruit.

Reduce salt intake and spicy, pungent foods such as radishes, onions, garlic, and chilies. It is best to avoid iced drinks as they can disturb the digestive fire.

Try at least a few of these practices and notice their effect on your body and mind!