In Chinese Medicine, we recommend certain foods for every season to keep us feeling our best. In the summer, the heat can leave us feeling dehydrated and fatigued. For this reason, it is best to consume cooling foods to disperse heat and build body fluids. It is also beneficial to consume bitter foods in the summertime. Overall, we want to eat lighter meals this time of year to avoid digestive issues. 

Food Suggestions for Summer: 

Fruit: apricot, apple, lemon, kiwi, watermelon, pear, pineapple, orange, tangerine, cantaloupe, peach, plum 

Vegetables: dark/bitter greens (chard, collards, kale, arugula, dandelion greens), corn, cucumber, endive, tomato, spinach, mushroom, red bell pepper, watercress, celery, asparagus, summer squash, sprouts, snow peas

Protein: lentils/legumes, yogurt, seafood, duck, pork

Grains: brown rice, barley, millet, oat, buckwheat

Herbs: mint, basil, chamomile, dill, cilantro, chrysanthemum, parsley

Drinks: lots of water (can add cucumber, lemon, fruit), watermelon juice, green tea, coconut water 

Avoid: hot and dry foods, too much coffee, excessively spicy foods, ice cold foods, fried/heavy/greasy foods

Save this post for the next time you go to the grocery store and want some inspiration for your summer meals.