Summer time is here and the living is easy! More time outside in the sunshine is good for the body and the spirit, but can also deplete your body's fluids (the yin, in Chinese medicine). Here are a few easy eating tips to help nourish the yin and enjoy a happy hydrated summer:
Lemonade. Lemons are a natural astringent and will help your body hold on to its fluids. There's a reason why this is a summer classic.
Cucumbers are cooling in nature. Try adding a few to your water for a subtle flavored water.
Watermelon is 90% water and full of lycopene, which is an amazing antioxidant. And it's also pretty delicious!
Tomato season is in full force right now! We are having fun growing tomatoes on our roof deck. My girls are learning where their food comes from, and also how delicious it tastes when freshly picked. Tomatoes are also full of lycopene, lutein, and vitamin c.
Lettuces are also growing beautifully now. Choose dark leafy green for more nutrition. Lettuces have calcium, vitamins and minerals. This is a great time to prepare a big salad with all of your farmers market bounty.
If you're feeling crafty, try this delicious cucumber lemonade from Smitten Kitchen: http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2014/09/cucumber-lemonade/
So good and will definitely help you keep your summer cool!