Summer is the time when we should get up early and get out and exercise; walking, biking, hiking whatever strikes your fancy. It is a time to be active. It is also the time of year when we see a large variety of fresh fruits and vegetables at the Farmers Markets which you should be including in your diet. They are best and most health giving when cooked lightly. Avoid heavy meals, rather cook them lightly by steaming, sautéing. A few more raw foods than in the winter for those whose digestions can handle it.
kaleSummer grains are; millet and corn. Bean choices are; mung beans, red and yellow lentils, adzuki beans. Fruits; strawberries, raspberries, apricots, gooseberries, peaches, plums, grapes, melons, blueberries, mangos. Vegetables; lettuces, a variety of dark green bitter vegetables, corn, tomatoes, peas, cauliflower, sprouts, zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, green beans, cucumber, bell peppers , etc. Wild greens; lambs quarters, purslane, nettles, chicory, dandelion, and others. Seasonings and herbs such as basil, cilantro, curry, fennel dill, fresh ginger, oregano, marjoram, thyme, scallions, chilies, garlic, garlic shoots.
Eat plenty of seafood: fish, shrimp, clams, lobster, sole, cod, mahi mahi, monk fish, bluefish, swordfish, whole grilled mackerel or bluefish on an open fire with the yogurt wasabi sauce. Or whatever fish is considered a delicacy where you live.
Paying attention to portion control is a way to lighten up on weight. Make sure you compensate for fluid loss such when exercising or the weather turns hot and humid to maintain electrolyte balance. If you get hot and feel flushed a cool cucumber drink or cucumber salad (quenches thirst), tea of lemon balm (calming and refreshing) or Chinese Chrysanthemum tea with a few gojii berries and a piece or rock candy in it. This makes a delightful, very lightly sweet drink that actually helps bring down the internal summer heat. One can of course use a little honey or other sweetener instead of rock candy. Melon, lemon or limeade (light on sugar please) are also cooling. Even something like Mung bean soup is good to take down this summer heat.
