July Health Focus:


Eating with the Seasons-Summer foods!

Eating with the Seasons is about getting in tune with Nature's cycles and how they relate to human life. Cycles can heal us, as they let us know what is best for our own special rhythm. Tension happens when we resist this flow, and illness can occur when we resist our changes.

From Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda to African and Native American traditions, seasonal eating has been a practice of many indigenous and ancient cultures. In today's modern world, it's easy to have all foods year-round. However, seasonal eating allows you to be in harmony with the environment and the cycles of nature. Fruits and vegetables in season are cheaper, and taste better because of their shorter commute!

That's not all! Eating with the seasons maximizes your physical energy for peak performance and optimum health.

Seasonal Focus: Summer

In the summer, it's time to enjoy cooling foods: water-filled fruits and vegetables. Summer is associated with the element Fire, according to the Taoist Five Element Theory. Fire is the energetic force that governs the health and functionality of your heart and small intestines, as well as the functions of circulation and heating in the body. It is important to cut back on refined foods and animal fats to allow these organs to restore themselves.

Lighten up with some of these summer power foods:

* Berries are and packed with antioxidants, fiber and vitamin C.
* Tomatoes & bell Peppers are antioxidant-filled sources of fiber, vitamin A, C, and lycopene.
* Leafy Greens from baby field greens to mustard greens, they provide an array of nutrients including fiber, beta-carotene, calcium, iron, folic acid and chlorophyll
* Mushrooms, the no-fat cancer-fighters, high in riboflavin and niacin
* Beans are nutrient-rich sources of fiber, iron and protein
* Sweet Onions - cancer-fighters rich in flavonoids and vitamin B

Give the heart and small intestine a rest by easing up on the meat, cheese and eggs. Instead of ice cream, make your own fruit smoothie combinations. Gardens are overflowing with fresh, live foods for cleansing and restoring the body. Visit a farmer's market or produce stand and toss up a Rainbow Salad . Sample the recipe below! Salads capture the essence of summer.

Rainbow Salad

1 bunch arugula
1/2 head romaine
2 Rainbow chard leaves (sliced in thin ribbons)
1 cup shredded purple cabbage
1 Avocado
1 Sunburst squash (finely diced)
1/3 cups pine nuts
3 red radishes (cut into half-moon slices)
6 fresh olives

Combine all ingredients. Top with organic extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Toss thoroughly. Serve on a beautiful platter. Delicious!