3 Pitta-Balancing Bevvies to Help You Beat the Heat
Temperatures are rising, both here in New Mexico, and around the world. Longer days, backyard barbecues, and family vacations are just around the bend!
As summer approaches and the fiery Pitta dosha gears up to take over, we can prepare to reset for the new season and be mindful of our diets as we transition. Summer is known for its hot, dry, bright, and sharp qualities. If we don’t eat with intention, these powerful elements can cause a Pitta imbalance, resulting in skin aggravation, inflammation, digestive issues, anger, and fatigue.
While the cooler seasons call for warming foods, the onset of summer means making space for cooling and hydrating foods and beverages. Avoid dry, spicy, acidic, and overly salty foods and instead opt for sweet, bitter, cooling, and astringent flavors.
Hydration also becomes even more important in the summer months as you lose valuable moisture with all that fun in the sun. And, while the heat may have you itching to reach for an ice-cold drink, Ayurveda actually teaches that cold beverages are counterproductive to your hydration and overall health. The reason being that your body and your agni (digestive fire) have to work so much harder to process very cold food and and drinks.
So, instead of relying on ice to keep things chill, try one of these cooling beverages at your next poolside party or seaside picnic.
Coconut, Lime, and Pomegranate Refresher
Serves 2
2 cups organic unsweetened coconut water
3 limes (2 juiced, one sliced for garnish)
½ cup pomegranate juice
Divide ingredients between two glasses and stir to combine.
Alcohol-Free Mint Julep
Serves 2
2 cups organic unsweetened coconut water or plain sparkling water
½” piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced thin
Fresh mint to taste (start with 4-5 leaves per glass), plus more for garnish
1 tsp. Pure organic maple syrup
Start by muddling the mint and ginger in the bottom of two glasses to release their oils. Top with maple syrup and coconut/sparkling water, garnish with mint.
Creamy Tropical Coconut Smoothie
Serves 2
1 cup full-fat organic unsweetned coconut milk
½ cup peeled and diced ripe mango
½ cup peeled and diced ripe pineapple
Squeeze of lime
Combine everything in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Divide between two glasses.
