~Summer Health Guide~
by Janine Bibeau
Summer months are Pitta months here in New England. Pitta is fiery, hot, and sharp. Balance out the Pitta influence of the season by adding cool and mild elements to your diet and lifestyle to create balance within the body and mind. If you don't, you may find yourself overheated, rashy, and irritated. You may also be quick to judge and quick tempered. Here are 5 tips for keeping Pitta in check and having a healthy and happy Summer!
1. Beat The Heat!
Rise with the sun or before the sun. Move your body early in the day. Avoid being in the sun midday. Avoid exercising midday as well, even if it is inside with AC. Your body temperature will rise and stay elevated long after your workout is through. Also, spend time by natural water when you can. A stream, ocean, river, or lake will help to cool both the body and mind. Schedule leisurely afternoons and evenings. Eat dinner early, around 5:00 or 5:30 and then play outside, garden, walk, or sit and visit.
Rise with the sun or before the sun. Move your body early in the day. Avoid being in the sun midday. Avoid exercising midday as well, even if it is inside with AC. Your body temperature will rise and stay elevated long after your workout is through. Also, spend time by natural water when you can. A stream, ocean, river, or lake will help to cool both the body and mind. Schedule leisurely afternoons and evenings. Eat dinner early, around 5:00 or 5:30 and then play outside, garden, walk, or sit and visit.
2. Pay Attention To What You Wear
Many lotions, creams, oils, and sunscreens are heavy and can cause your skin to feel hot and sticky. Using coconut oil on the body is a great way to moisturize in the summer months. Coconut is cooling, light, and will also nourish the skin.
Cotton, linen, and hemp are great clothing choices in the summer. You want your skin to be able to breath and to feel cool. Synthetic fabrics will trap moisture and heat in towards the body causing you to feel uncomfortable. If you are uncomfortable you are more likely to become short tempered and have a negative outlook. If you feel more comfortable, you will feel more peaceful and content mentally and physically.
Many lotions, creams, oils, and sunscreens are heavy and can cause your skin to feel hot and sticky. Using coconut oil on the body is a great way to moisturize in the summer months. Coconut is cooling, light, and will also nourish the skin.
Cotton, linen, and hemp are great clothing choices in the summer. You want your skin to be able to breath and to feel cool. Synthetic fabrics will trap moisture and heat in towards the body causing you to feel uncomfortable. If you are uncomfortable you are more likely to become short tempered and have a negative outlook. If you feel more comfortable, you will feel more peaceful and content mentally and physically.
3. You Are What You Drink
Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water. Add a slice of lemon, sprig of lavender, mint leaves, rose petals, or cucumber slices for a little flavor and extra cooling properties. Avoid beverages that irritate the Pitta within, such as alcohol, caffeine, or warm, hot, and spicy drinks. Stay tuned for recipes for Summer Spritzers and Spice Waters!
Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water. Add a slice of lemon, sprig of lavender, mint leaves, rose petals, or cucumber slices for a little flavor and extra cooling properties. Avoid beverages that irritate the Pitta within, such as alcohol, caffeine, or warm, hot, and spicy drinks. Stay tuned for recipes for Summer Spritzers and Spice Waters!
4. Load Up On Plants
Are bodies are designed to eat lighter in warmer months. Avoid heavy foods like mac and cheese, meats, nuts, beans, and grains. You might find that in the cooler months your digestive system craves these and does not have a problem digesting them, but come Summer you're gassy, bloated, or have loose stool when you eat them.
Foods that work with the digestive system in the Summer are usually what you see growing around you! Snap peas, cucumbers, summer squashes, fennel, cilantro, mint, and aloe vera. Get your sweetness from fresh juice fruits like berries, cherries, watermelon, and peaches and avoid candy, chocolate, and other processed sugar treats like pastries etc.
Tomatoes are a favorite in New England gardens, but they are acidic and heating, which aggravates Pitta. If you adore tomatoes, serve them with plenty of diverse greens. Arugula, dandelion greens, spinach, kale, beet greens, swisschard, and cilantro, all help offset the fire and acidity of tomatoes. Think at least 90% greens and 10% tomatoes.
Green smoothies are great for breakfast. Eat light lunches with plenty of nutrients. Rice wraps loaded with veggies, salads, and cool soups. Keep dinners light too and load up on greens then too.
Are bodies are designed to eat lighter in warmer months. Avoid heavy foods like mac and cheese, meats, nuts, beans, and grains. You might find that in the cooler months your digestive system craves these and does not have a problem digesting them, but come Summer you're gassy, bloated, or have loose stool when you eat them.
Foods that work with the digestive system in the Summer are usually what you see growing around you! Snap peas, cucumbers, summer squashes, fennel, cilantro, mint, and aloe vera. Get your sweetness from fresh juice fruits like berries, cherries, watermelon, and peaches and avoid candy, chocolate, and other processed sugar treats like pastries etc.
Tomatoes are a favorite in New England gardens, but they are acidic and heating, which aggravates Pitta. If you adore tomatoes, serve them with plenty of diverse greens. Arugula, dandelion greens, spinach, kale, beet greens, swisschard, and cilantro, all help offset the fire and acidity of tomatoes. Think at least 90% greens and 10% tomatoes.
Green smoothies are great for breakfast. Eat light lunches with plenty of nutrients. Rice wraps loaded with veggies, salads, and cool soups. Keep dinners light too and load up on greens then too.
5. Watch The Birds
Literally. In the Fall you will see animals busy gathering food and preparing for Winter. In the Summer animals rest during hot hours. The birds are most active in the morning along with other animals. They don't book their calendars full and race around all hours of the day like some humans do. Have productive mornings and then take some time to rest when it's hot. Sip a cool drink and read a book. Watch the ocean waves roll in under the shade of an umbrella or tree. Rock in a hammock and listen the the sounds of nature around you. Take time to truly enjoy moments in your day.
Literally. In the Fall you will see animals busy gathering food and preparing for Winter. In the Summer animals rest during hot hours. The birds are most active in the morning along with other animals. They don't book their calendars full and race around all hours of the day like some humans do. Have productive mornings and then take some time to rest when it's hot. Sip a cool drink and read a book. Watch the ocean waves roll in under the shade of an umbrella or tree. Rock in a hammock and listen the the sounds of nature around you. Take time to truly enjoy moments in your day.
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