The Ayurvedic diet varies according to body types – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – but one aspect is consistent: Ayurveda encourages the consumption of warming foods. Warm soups and drinks are often preferred over cold raw foods and beverages. While it’s easy to do this during the coldest days of winter, it’s not so easy in warmer weather (read: hot, humid, and gross). However, you can adjust your diet in the warmer weather months to feel cool without putting out the Ayurvedic “digestive fire.” Follow the tips below to see a difference.
01 Begin and end your day with warm drinks.
These are the coolest times of the day, so the best times to drink something warm. Try warm tea or lemon water in the morning, then a warm turmeric or ginger latte or herbal tea at night.
02 Try warm drinks with cooling properties.
Mint, fennel, licorice, and cardamom are great for warm teas in the summer because they are cooling herbs that will help you avoid getting overheated. If you are drinking tea, let it cool to room temperature before drinking.
03 Add foods with cooling properties to warm foods.
As with drinks, you can add cooling elements to warm foods to avoid getting overheated. Some examples include: Soups: add fresh herbs like dill, cilantro, and a bit of yogurt. Cook with coconut oil instead of sesame oil. Lightly steam vegetables. Use fewer hot spices in stir fries. Eat lighter grains and legumes like millet, amaranth, and chickpeas instead of brown rice, lentils, and black beans.
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Try adding warming elements to cool foods. Yes, you can go in the opposite direction by warming up cool foods. Some ideas to try include Add a dash of cayenne to your cold salad and salad dressing. Top your cold salad with beans, grains, or eat a cup of warm soup. While it’s easy to do this during the coldest days of winter, it’s not so easy in warmer weather. When making a smoothie or cold juice, use fresh fruits and vegetables (not frozen) and add warming spices like ginger, turmeric, or nutmeg. Eating ice cream or sorbet? Balance it with a warm cup of hot water to help soothe your stomach.
