It’s the middle of the summer
and baby it’s hot! All across the country we are having a heat wave! Long days
of bright sun, heat and humidity are all in line with the season. Whether you
are in a city, the country or the beach there is little relief. Rather than put
you into overload and throw you off balance, here are a few tips that you
can use to let you enjoy the rest of the summer time especially as it pertains
to adopting a seasonal routing when it comes to your food and lifestyle so you
can usher in a more cooling nature.
#1) COOL FOODS
I like to eat what I call “cool foods” during the summer. Summer is the perfect time to try out a raw food diet as not only will it help flush out toxins, but it's quite cooling for the body. Opt for ripe, sweet and juicy fruits and leafy greens (these should make up about 80% of your daily food), and cut down on oily things. Sipping cool (not ice cold) water infused with mint or citrus through the day will also keep the fire low. Avoid onions, garlic and other spicy/hot foods that will only add fuel to the fire. Instead, indulge in cold soups or let a warm meal cool to room temperature. Here’s an example of a cool food that you can easily make at home: gazpacho! Chilled summer soup is a refreshing option. You eat salad vegetables right out of the fridge; why not go for a flavor-packed refrigerated soup, too? With a few fresh veggies and a food processor, you can create a memorable meal with that’s full of nutrients, easy to make and low in calories.
Ingredients:
1 cucumber,
halved and seeded, but not peeled
2 red bell peppers, cored and seeded
4 plum tomatoes
1 red onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
23 ounces tomato juice (3 cups)
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup good olive oil
1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
Directions:
Roughly
chop the cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, and red onions into 1-inch cubes.
Put each vegetable separately into a food processor fitted with a steel blade
and pulse until it is coarsely chopped. Do not overprocess!
After each vegetable is processed, combine them in a large bowl and add the garlic, tomato juice, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and chill before serving. The longer gazpacho sits, the more the flavors develop.
(Copyright 1999 The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook)
After each vegetable is processed, combine them in a large bowl and add the garlic, tomato juice, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and chill before serving. The longer gazpacho sits, the more the flavors develop.
(Copyright 1999 The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook)
#2) MOVE WITH EASE AND PURPOSE
It can be quite tempting to have fun in the sun, but it’s best
to avoid exercising during the hottest part of the day. If you like biking or
running, try doing it early in the morning or later at dusk when the
temperature is slightly cooler that way you can be sure to get your high
intensity cardio in. During the heat of
the day, favor peaceful and relaxing walks in nature, light gardening, swimming
and gentle yoga. And don’t forget to hydrate with plenty of water!
#3) ENJOY A “MOON BATH”
Never heard of it? Though sunbathing is the conventional
"bath" of choice during the summer, allowing yourself to bask in the
light of the moon can do wonders for your mind and body. Not only can the
moon's cooling light help you to find balance, but if you're lucky enough to
get outside under a full moon, you can truly harness the benefits of that
special time each month when the moon’s energy is full of love, abundance,
creativity and positive energy. I love to take a full moon walk or just to sit outdoors
under the rays of the moon. Try this wearing white clothing to infuse the body
with the moon’s cooling nature. July 31, 2015 is the next full moon!
#4) TRY NEEM OIL
#5) PRACTICE COOL BREATHING
When you feel a buildup of heat in your body, practicing cooling
conscious, deliberate control of the breath can be incredibly helpful. Don’t
get overwhelmed by the heat or what you have on your to-do list. Take a moment
to breathe!
