August is a great time to get outside and enjoy the last full month of summer. Foods and practices that nourish Pitta with an eye to Vata season will set you up for the transition of late summer into fall as we move from a parched summer to more crisp, clear, dry and mobile air and temps. Check out the lists and tips below for foods, essential oils, and
Soothe the body inside and out
Inside
- Favor foods that are sweet (not processed sugar), bitter and cooling
- Drink aloe juice to soothe and cool
- Check out the larger list below for more details
Outside
- Abyangha (oil massage) helps seal in moisture, keeps skin hydrated and looking vibrant (sunflower, coconut, sesame, brahmi oil or a Pitta massage oil blend)
- Rosewater eye wash
- Soak feet in cool water (bonus: add a few drops of lavender essential oil)
- Moon bathing
Foods to favor:
Demulcents to help nourish parched tissues and intestines – chia, flaxseed, pears, okra
Grains – barley, white basmati rice, millet, oats, whole wheat, quinoa
Dairy – milk, unsalted butter, ghee, soft cheeses (cottage cheese, cream cheese)
Nuts & seeds – coconut, sunflower, pumpkin
Oils – Ghee, olive oil, coconut
Fruits – apples, avocados, berries, stone fruits, melons, dried fruits
Veggies – sprouts, artichoke, asparagus, cruciferous (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, etc) bell peppers, dark leafy greens, squash/zucchini
Meats (if in your diet and best at lunch) chicken, egg whites, fresh water fish, turkey
Legumes – black lentils, chickpeas, mung beans, soy beans, split peas, tofu
Spices – cardamom, chamomile, cilantro, coconut, coriander, fennel,dill peppermint
Aloe juice
Foods to minimize/avoid:
Foods that are fermented, sour, hot, acidic, salty and pungent
Kombucha, buttermilk, alcohol, pickles, vinegars, kefir, yogurt, sour fruits/citrus,chili peppers, nightshades, heating foods and diuretics
Meal/snack ideas:
Matcha Chia pudding *see blog recipe
Banana n’ice cream
Quinoa buddha bowl (quinoa, lentils, veggies, tahini dressing)
Roasted root vegetable & black bean tacos
Moroccan stuffed portobellos
August essential oils & blend:
Think florals and sweets, soothing and cooling – rose, lavender, jasmine, citrus (sweet orange, tangerine, lime, clementine) clary sage, blue tansy, geranium, chamomile, spearmint, fennel, citronella, black spruce
My current fav diffuser blend
from Gifts of the Essential Oils, Adam Barralet, Vanessa Jean Boscarello Ovens
Divine Connection
Cedarwood – realigning with your core principles
Blue tansy – remember the magic in your life
Lemon – uplift, focused clarity, remember your brilliance
Wild Orange – Joy Bubbles!