Your Summer Food Guide: How to Eat in the Heat

Jul 2

A white bowl sits on top of a cutting board. It holds 5 peaches. More peaches are scattered around the bowl and board, some halved, on a white counter. There are leaves with white flowers decorating the top of the frame.

I live in Chicago…the “windy city”. And let me tell you, Chicago has earned this title.

But somewhere in April, after we get an odd day of snow, suddenly the weather changes. Once we come out of hibernation, we make the most of our 3-4 months of warm weather in Chicago. You’ll see people everywhere…walking, biking, enjoying the lake, listening to music at outdoor concerts, strolling through art fairs…and going to farmers’ markets all over the city.

The farmers’ markets are probably my absolute favorite thing about summer. The beautiful fruits and vegetables make me so happy. Every Saturday morning, I wake up at 6 am, grab some coffee, and head to the Green City Market, the largest farmers’ market in Chicago.

I take my time and engage all of my senses. I pause to enjoy the vibrant colors and lovely aromas. I carefully select my food and think about where it came from. I talk to the farmers, learn from them, and connect more with the food I buy. When I get home, I cook with my family and prepare simple, delicious meals.

Mother Nature is brilliant.

I’m always amazed at the brilliance of Mother Nature. The fruits and vegetables harvested in summer are cooling, juicy, and sweet- the perfect counter-balance to support health and wellness in the season's heat. Mother Nature knows exactly what to provide to keep us vibrant all year long. Mother Nature is truly brilliant.

3 tips for what to eat in the heat.

In Ayurveda, we consider the season and its qualities and then apply the principle of opposites to make recommendations for lifestyle, self-care, daily practices, and diet to support health and healing. Summer is hot and sharp…and cultivating the opposite qualities of cool and sweet supports health and wellness.

In general, eat cooling and sweet (naturally sweet) foods. Fruits and vegetables with a higher water content are naturally cooling, and fruits ripened by the sun are naturally sweet. Let Mother Nature guide you and buy produce that’s in season and grown locally.
Decrease the 3 “S” foods (sour, salty & spicy). These foods are heating and should be reduced in summer. Pay attention to what you’re drinking because it’s easy to forget that alcohol is naturally heating. Opt for drinks that have cooling ingredients like mint and cucumber.
If you’re not hungry, don’t eat. In the heat of summer, many people experience decreased appetite. Respect your body’s inner intelligence- if you’re not hungry, don’t feel compelled to eat just because the clock is telling you to eat.

Follow these 3 tips, and you’ll be cool as a cucumber all summer long!

Stay cool and be well.