Living and Eating with the Late Summer Season – Holistic Take on Health
28 August 2023
In the Chinese Five Element Theory, late summer is correlated with the Earth Element and the organs of Stomach and Spleen/Pancreas.
This is the time when the weather can get very warm and sunny, there is abundance of ripe vegetables and fruit and we are often getting ready to get back to work or school and make new plans. Although short, this season brings transition in both nature and ourselves.
Stomach and Spleen/Pancreas collaborate to process your food and disperse the ensuing energy throughout your body. Nourishment plays a crucial role in your energy levels and overall health, making the optimal operation of these organs essential in guarding against illnesses.
That’s why, when it comes to nourishment, it is time to add a bit more density to provide more fuel so that we can feel more energised and ready to take on new tasks. Include more protein and sources of fat, whole grains, seeds, nuts and beans. However, continue with a good amount of fresh vegetables and fruit to sustain the alkaline balance.
TOP NUTRITION TIPS FOR LATE SUMMER:
- Use more seeds and nuts, as well as nut and seed-based milks.
- Combine beans and lentils with less popular whole grains, such as millet, rice, quinoa, buckwheat.
- Slightly increase consumption of protein-rich foods – fish, eggs, meat, poultry, tofu.
- Use plenty of fresh and dried herbs.
- Consider 2-3 days of juice cleanse.
- Introduce more vegetable soups with beans.
THIS SEASON’S RECIPE
Sweetcorn Soup
There is something nostalgic about eating corn on the cob. It’s reminiscent of late summer evenings, eating outdoors.
Sweetcorn is butter’s best friend, and in this soup, you can taste the corn, the butter, and the unbeatable Latin American flavour combination of smoked paprika, lime, and coriander.
Naturally, toasted tortillas go fantastically with this dish, but why not go a step further, and serve quesadillas on the side.
MOVEMENT
As the natural world transitions into its inner cycle, you might notice a tendency for your body to contract, particularly during colder months. Ensure a harmonious balance by incorporating both loosening and stretching exercises into your routine throughout autumn and winter to maintain the flexibility and suppleness of your body and joints. Yoga, pilates, qi-gong are all good exercises for this time of year.
