Seasonal Ayurvedic Wellness: Summer Edition

Ayurveda, yoga's sister science, is one of the world's oldest systems of healing. Its integral approach, based on the truth of our interconnection with the natural world, stresses the importance of synchronizing our personal rhythms with the rhythms of nature for promoting true wellness.

When summer is in full swing, it's important to find a healthy balance between the fire and water elements that rule this hot and humid time of year. Within the health science of Ayurveda, some ways you can activate the fire element are eating spicy foods, strenuous workouts, and exercising outdoors midday. Similarly, the water element increases within our bodies when we hydrate, sleep, siesta, and do mellow practices like yin or restorative yoga. We also can increase the presence of the water element when we are checked in with our emotions. Below are some of my favorite tips on how Ayurveda can help you stay cool and calm in the heat of summer.

Eating the Ayurvedic Way

Nature offers us certain foods depending on the season to help us maintain healthy bodies. This summer, keep you eye out for the following foods, which have hydrating, cooling, or light properties that can protect you from the heat:
  • Melons
  • Blueberries
  • Stone Fruit (Peaches, Plums, Cherries, Nectarines, Apricots, Mangoes, Raspberries, Blackberries)
  • Cucumbers
  • Salad Lettuces
  • Zucchini
  • Corn
Eating freshly picked, local food also means you will be eating fruits and vegetables when they taste their best and are at their highest nutritional value!

We also recommend stocking your kitchen with these seasonal alternatives:

  • Substitute mushrooms or tofu in place of meat.
  • Opt for fresh herbs instead of chilies.
  • For a crunchy snack, replace chips with nuts, avocados, falafel, carrots, snap peas, and celery.
  • Satisfy your sweet tooth with fresh dates.
  • Drink coconut water and naturally-flavored sparkling water instead of soda and alcohol.

Remember that every day is different and how you relate to your seasonal diet will change day by day. Stay curious about how you feel when you align your food choices with the natural world around you.

Set yourself up for success with the following dietary practices:

  • Cook and plan meals in the morning when the kitchen is cool.
  • Enjoy food with cooling and hydrating properties. Cool off with these summer smoothies or enjoy the Arugula and Watermelon Salad recipe below.
  • Eat frequent meals throughout the day to avoid low blood sugar moments.
  • Add cilantro, cucumber, mint, and lime to water for a refreshing beverage that will cool you down. Coconut water and cooling teas like rose, fennel, and hibiscus are also recommended to keep you hydrated and calm.
  • Minimize inflammatory foods.
  • If possible, eat all your meals outside in the fresh air.

Summer Wellness Practices

In addition to dietary changes, some of my favorite daily self-care routines for this season include:

Integrating small, daily practices like these in your routine can help reduce excess heat in the mind and body and stay cool in the summertime.


Join Melina in her 5-Day Summer Ayurveda Yoga Challenge.

Arugula and Watermelon Salad

Salad Ingredients (organic if possible):
  • 3 Cups of Arugula
  • 2 Cups of Watermelon Chunks
  • 2 Tablespoons or Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
  • 1/4 Cup of Crumbled Feta Cheese
Dressing Ingredients:
  • 3 Tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 Teaspoon of White Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1 Pinch of Sea Salt
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Directions:
  • Prepare all salad ingredients and place in a large bowl.
  • Stir dressing ingredients together in a separate small container until blended.
  • Drizzle dressing onto salad and toss until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
Enjoy!

Melina Meza
About the Author

Melina Meza

Melina has been exploring the art and science of yoga and nutrition for over 20 years. She is the author of Seasonal Health and Wellness - Change Your Life One Week At A Time, as well as the Art of Sequencing books series. You can practice with Melina in Yoga for Mobility, Yoga for Our Nature, and her Ayurveda Challenges here on Yoga Anytime.


Comments

Amy S
1 person likes this.
Thank you Melina. What do you recommend instead of hot soup in the summer for grounding and well rounded nutrition?
Thanks-Amy
Melina Meza
1 person likes this.
Hello Amy! Believe it or not, I would still recommend SOUP, perhaps in the evening when its not so hot outside? In the summer it may be important to eat 4 meals instead of 3 to stay grounded since the days are so long and we are often super productive!  If you're NOT into soup for the summer....then I would suggest all your meals include  sufficient protein and  grains to satisfy and ground you. Thanks for being part of the challenge!!!

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