The joys of seasonal eating | Part 3: Eat for the heat!
This is part three of a four-part series on seasonal eating. To learn the basics of what seasonal eating is in Chinese medicine, and learn about winter foods, check out part one. If you want to learn about spring eating, check out part two. Then, come back and read on to learn about how best to eat for the heat of summer!
In summer, get some sun and eat cool foods.
Summer is a time to wake up early, enjoy the sun in moderation, and flourish as nature does. Get outside!
The summer season represents the element of fire along with the heart and small intestine organs. The prevalent taste is bitter. This is the time for growth and expansion, movement and activity. Qi is at its peak! This is a time to cultivate yang fire while making sure it does not become excessive.A general tip is to stay cool and hydrated with foods that have properties that are naturally cooling—yin foods that are moistening to balance the heat. Summer is the perfect time to indulge in salads, which are full of raw vegetables and are very cooling and hydrating to the body. Foods with cooling properties also help to clear heat, reduce toxins and generate body fluids. Don’t overdo full-on cold foods (ice cream, ice water), though you can of course have some in the hot weather. Here are some other things to eat more of:
apples
apricot
bamboo
bananas
beans (mung, adzuki)
bitter salad greens (endive, watercress)
bok choy
cantaloupe
celery
chives
corn
fish
watermelon
cucumber
kale
lemons
lentils
lettuce
oranges
mint
mushroom
peaches
seaweed
spinach
strawberries
tomatoes
On very hot days, avoid foods that are overstimulating and warming, such as coffee, alcohol, red meat and fatty foods. Their heaviness can be hard to digest when the body is already working hard to cope with the high temperatures, so it’s best not to stress your system out any more than necessary. On days like this, stick with lighter fare, like salads, cold soups, fruit plates and vegetable proteins. The emphasis should be on floating and outward-moving foods such as flowers, spices and leaves. Dishes should be lightly cooked, served cold, involve boiling instead of roasting, or include raw salad ingredients.
Late summer, known as the “fifth season,” is about transition.
Chinese medicine actually has five seasons, not four! Late summer begins around the third week of August and runs through the fall equinox. So, remember this section for a few weeks from now so you can make the transition when the time comes.
In August, nature is undergoing its last burst of growth before harvest time. The energy of this season corresponds to the nurturing earth element, and relates to the spleen, stomach and pancreas. The earth element corresponds with the change of seasons and with the climate influence of dampness. This element is about the vulnerability that occurs during the change of seasons. Earth likes to know that you will regularly feed it, so it can give back energy.
The spleen and stomach are easily injured from poor eating habits—eating too many rich and sweet foods, skipping meals, and eating in a rush. The spleen must be maintained in order for our body to adjust to the new season. The spleen loves cooked foods, especially stews and soups. They are easy to digest and they support the earth element.
The flavour for this time of year is gently sweet, meaning choosing foods that are not too heating or cooling, but have warming and neutral properties—just right to bring the body back to balance.
The spleen loves greens. But don’t rely on spinach as your only greens… give the spleen variety! It’s easy to find a huge s of leafy greens if you visit a farmer’s market; the harvest is really coming in at this time of year so you’ll have lots to choose from. Don’t be scared to try new things. Growers can often suggest tasty ways to prepare unfamiliar vegetables. Be adventurous with your veggies!
The recommended foods for late summer are yang and encourage strengthening and expanding, moving the Qi upward and outward. Suggested foods include:
beets
berries
chard
collards
lentils
parsnips
peaches
pumpkin
nuts and seeds
spinach
squash
sweet potato
That concludes my advice about the two different kinds of eating for two different kinds of summer. The beauty of late summer is that it gives us a gentle preview of fall. When the season transitions again in September, I’ll be posting about fall foods, so don’t forget to come back and find out what you should be eating to keep you feeling good. In the meantime, enjoy the gorgeous heat!
xo