healthy tips

SUMMER DIETARY TIPS

Summer is the season our bodies literally plea for a cool diet.  This however is not limited to the temperature of the food, but of its composition. Foods harvested in summer months are built by nature to be cooling so, where possible, try and eat seasonal and organic fruits and vegetables. Our summer diet should be nutritious, watery, have a cooling effect and with the least amount of spices to avoid excess pressure on the digestive system. Avoid foods with preservatives, additives and colours as the liver has to work overtime to process these foreign substances, which creates excess heat in the body and puts strain on the liver.

In summer, we excrete water via perspiration, more so than any other time of year, so keeping our bodies well hydrated is essential. Avoid carbonated drinks, chilled beer and although an icy alcoholic beverage may seem like an excellent summer refreshment, it can actually create permanent damage to your digestive system. Room temperature water or lemon treated water and your best options for optimum hydration. Why not try coconut water, or your favourite summer fresh fruit juice with a hand full of fresh herbs for added cooling effect.  Avoid sweeteners which can cause acid reflux and heartburn. Herbal teas like chamomile, dandelion, fennel, liquorice, mint & red clover are great in summer also.

Cooking methods also affect foods warming or cooling effects. So in summer, try to sauté at high heat for a very short time and steam or simmer foods as quickly as possible. Remember ‘little salt more water.’

EAT FOODS THAT “COOL”

- cucumber                    - fennel

 - asparagus                  - kelp & all seaweeds

- cabbage                     - beans

- celery                      - zucchini

- snow peas                   - peas

- coriander                   - rocket

- broccoli                    - watercress

- cauliflower                 - lettuce

- sprouts                     - kale                           

- bok choy                    - sweet corn

Fruits that are great include...

- orange            - pear                 

- watermelon        - pineapple    

- pomegranate       - lemon/lime

- plum              - mango             

- apple             - avocado                    

- coconut           - banana

*  try juicing different combinations of these with a

    handful of mint for extra ‘cooling’