5 Ayurveda tips for the summer
5 Ayurveda tips for the summer
How should a man/woman eat breakfast in the warm season?
According to Ayurveda, the digestive fire (Agni) decreases in the warm season. The hotter it gets, the less appetite we have. This is why light foods with cooling properties are particularly important. Digestive spices that stimulate Agni and yet reduce Pitta also help.
In the morning, it is very good to start with fresh fruit. Grapes, melon and bananas are particularly refreshing and cooling. This can be combined with coconut and rice. A nice rice porridge with a banana baked in coconut is therefore a real "summer power breakfast".
What is suitable for lunch and dinner?
Lunch is normally always the main meal in Ayurveda. However, if it is very hot, the main meal can also be postponed until the cooler evening hours. It is always a good idea to include a good portion of salad and raw vegetables at lunchtime. Bitter leafy salads such as chicory or radicchio are particularly good for balancing Pitta-Agni. Something warm should definitely be eaten in the evening. A nice soup or a light cereal dish, such as couscous with vegetables, will nourish and refresh your body and mind in the best possible way.
Do you recommend eating several snacks or just one main meal a day?
Snacks put a strain on the digestive fire and often lead to toxic digestive residues (ama). For this reason, they should be avoided, especially on very hot days. It is best to eat 3 regular meals and drink plenty of water, diluted fruit juices and possibly some fresh fruit in between.
What food and drink should we avoid in the warmer months?
Although everyone gets their barbecue out of the garden shed at the first ray of sunshine, it is not advisable to eat hot, sour and spicy foods - such as red meat, tomatoes, chili, horseradish, mustard, alcohol or coffee. It is better to opt for grilled vegetables, a tabouleh or something similar.
In India, many people drink cumin water (jeera water) in summer to boost the metabolism and cool down the body temperature. Simply boil 1 tablespoon of cumin seeds in 3/4 liter of water and simmer for 5 minutes. Then leave to cool and drink throughout the day.