Keeping Cool this Summer

In my last blog I shared some suggestions of ways to stay cool and healthy for the summer. Lately it has become so warm that many of us are feeling overheated, irritable and unable to find ways to cool down. As tempting as it may be, it's important to stay away from ice cold drinks. This can cause imbalance in the body and interfere with normal digestive processes causing fatigue, bloating and stomach pain. Instead, opt for more cooling ingredients! In Chinese Medicine, each food is broken down by taste and temperature. Using ingredients that are more cold or neutral in nature will allow our bodies to stay cooler in a much healthier and balanced way. Below I've listed some delicious and cooling summer ingredients:

• watermelon

• cantaloupe

• oranges

• nectarines

• peaches

• pineapple

• cucumber

• spinach

• watercress

• mint

• sprouts

Summer is the best season to drink your fruits and vegetables! Combining many of the ingredients I've listed above can create delicious yet filling smoothies.

Here are some of my favorite recipes:

2 cups watermelon

1/4 cup fresh mint

Blend together for a refreshing treat!

1 banana

1 cup cantaloupe (fresh or frozen)

Handful of spinach or dandelion greens

1 cup almond milk (can also use coconut or cashew)

1 tsp chia seeds

In traditional blender, first blend milk, chia seeds and greens. Then add fruit and blend again. If using a high powered blender can add all ingredients together.

1 banana

1 cup chopped pineapple

1 cup coconut milk

Blend ingredients together for a tropical delight!

If you find that smoothies create stomach pain or discomfort try adding some fresh ginger!