Bridge yourself between the yin and the yang in the summertime. Eat more yin foods such as fruits and veggies

I believe that we should all eat lighter in the summertime.  Because we are outdoors more often in the summer, light meals work well.

Because our summer is very hot this year, we need something to keep us cool and light! When you exercise or just are more active, light foods are better.

That is where the fruits and veggies come in. Fruit salads and veggies that are in season are great for a light lunch or dinner. My brother-in-law taught me a lot about grilled veggies.

For any kind of squash all you have to do is cut them in half, brush with some olive oil and spices of your choice such as garlic or cumin. You  can make your yellow or green squash taste great, and  love it. And all you do is cook them for about 5 minutes each side, directly on the grill. Squash is a great vegetable for your light salad lunches.

Elson Haas author of the book: Staying Healthy With The Seasons also suggests a lightness to your summertime.  In Chinese medicine they believe that illness is caused by an unbalanced or overstressed body. In the summertime do not over burden your body with too much food, or too much drink (alcohol).

What to eat in the morning

Here is a suggestion for breakfast from Elson: If you like eating light, just have a couple of pieces of fruit, fruit juice or tea in the morning.  A bit richer of a breakfast can include some yogurt with a few pieces of fruit such as banana, pear or apple along with a few nuts and raisins.

Yin and Yang

Foods also have yin and yang qualities. Fruits  and  vegetables are yin  ( they can be served wet and cool). Yang foods are more concentrated such as seeds, nuts beans and fat- dairy products and eggs,  and whole grains which are complex carbohydrates. You need yin and yang foods, but more yin!~

So during the summer eat lots of fresh fruits and juices, multicolored salads and vegetables, some seeds, nuts and grains, and fewer dairy products and meats.

Taken in part from:Haas, E. (2002). Staying Healthy With the Seasons. Random House. San Rafeal, CA.