From an Ayurvedic perspective, the qualities of Summer (as we recognise it in the west anyway) are hot, intense, sharp, humid, transforming, bright, dynamic, and fiery. These qualities are also some characteristics of the ayurvedic Pitta dosha.
Pitta energy is hot, intense, sharp and fiery, and emotionally, a person holding pitta qualities can also present as irritable, dominant, able to get tasks completed efficiently, work as a good leader, but can also succumb to their short temper easily. Predominantly pitta people usually have light blonde or red hair, pale skin that burns easily in the sun, strong hunger pangs and strong digestion, and a love for spicy foods, intense experiences and challenging physical exercises. We all have some pita energy within us, and different seasons, weather fronts, times of day, foods, social interactions, and environmental changes can either increase or decrease the amount of pitta energy present at any one time.
If you’ve been feeling ‘hot and bothered’ recently, more irritable than usual, or perhaps particularly focussed and able to complete tasks quickly, you may have a higher than usual level of pitta energy within you right now. (Whilst our unique mind / body 
signature or prakriti – meaning ‘nature’ – stays the same throughout life, our everyday self can of course feel different from moment to moment – this is known as your vikruti – your current state).
Want to know hot to cool off when you’re feeling hot-headed? Want to calm irritability and inflammation? Want to know how to work with the elements of nature throughout the Summer to stay balanced and well? Below you’ll find a few specific articles I’ve written for other websites and online magazines on how to use ancient ayurvedic wisdom (along with a few holistic herbal recipes) on a modern Summer’s day.
Ayurveda Inspired Summer Self Care
10 Ways To Cool The Pitta Dosha
Mitochondria-Enhancing Summer Meal
Supplemental Summer: Getting More From Good Weather
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT MY APPROACH TO AYURVEDA AND HOLISTIC HEALTH? CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO A PODCAST INTERVIEW WITH MYSELF AND ELLEN CARR FROM Being Change.
If you haven’t yet tried pairing the umami saltiness of miso paste with chocolate, you’re in for a treat. The fermented bean often used in Asian cooking adds a flavour to cacao or dark chocolate that creates an almost salted caramel – like flavour. Coupled with the fact that miso is of course entirely more healthy than salted caramel, it’s a win-win combination. This recipe utilises plenty of superfoods to create a delicious yet very healthy dessert, breakfast or afternoon treat. Whip this up whilst the heatwave is still here in the UK and only cooling foods seem like a good idea….
Do you have a favourite go-to post-workout protein supplement? Do you make sure it’s full of beneficial ingredients and not filled with chemicals? Do you rely on it for a substantial nutrition boost?
Protein synthesis (a fancy way of saying ‘building and repairing muscle’) is optimised by including 20-30 grams of protein at each meal. Exercise creates microtears in muscles, and the harder you work, the more tears you’ll create. Protein helps repair these trears, ultimately helping repair, build and strengthen muscles. Eating protein after working out provides these tears with enough nutrients to repair and strengthen, and ‘enough’ is thought to be roughly 20-30g protein if you’re working hard. More than this however can’t all be absorbed by the body at once, and is either stored as energy or fat, or sent through the body and down the toilet. To enhance your chance of absorbing all the protein you consume, space out your protein intake, rather than trying to cram it in at one meal.
Intestinal health is crucial when it comes to absorbing nutrients. If the intestine walls are covered in a build up of processed foods and undigested particles, it’s difficult for the body to get the vitamins it needs, as digested food is absorbed into the body through the intestinal walls. Keep your colon healthy by fasting or intermittent fasting periodically, drinking plenty of water, taking natural digestive herbs like 
Good sources of protein supplements will include an abundance of amino acids (the ‘building blocks’ of protein). Leucine is thought to be bar far the most important of the 20 amino acids for rebuilding and enhancing muscle tissue, and the best sources of this tend to be meat or poultry, followed by dairy and fish. Plant foods containing the most leucine are soy, with beans and lentils following behind. A plant based diet can be just as effective for muscle building as a general mixed plant, dairy and meat inclusive diet, it just requires more awareness of the foods you’re consuming and the levels of nutrition within them. The best plant-based sources of protein tend to be amaranth and quinoa, chia, hemp, peas, edamme and nut butters, and these can all be a welcome alternative to dairy based supplements when you feel like changing things up.
Inspired by the abundance of superfood smoothies, lattes, bars and bowls whilst away in California, this recipe is all about giving you a dose of wellbeing with some all-natural ingredients. With plenty of magnesium, anti-inflammatory molecules, plant based protein and cooling qualities, it’s a drink to sip on warm summer days, but equally suited to warming up in a pan and enjoying indoors.
High in plant based protein, gluten free, full of antioxidants and calcium and easy to digest, amaranth is the ancient grain cultivated for over 8000 years, and still going strong today. Whether its porridge, cookies, cous cous alternatives or salads, amaranth is very versatile and easy to cook. This recipes takes the Lebanese tabbouleh and adds a Moroccan twist.
This dessert is perfect for when your muscles have been working extra hard and require a nutrient boost. Full of magnesium, potassium, nitric oxide, protein and antioxidants, this little pud is a pot of genuine superfood goodness. As a bonus, there are also lots of mood and energy-enhancing ingredients here too to keep you going. This recipe makes enough for 3, so whip up a few and enjoy them through the week!
A flapjack can be something of a lifesaver if you’re flagging and foggy-minded midweek, or experiencing a blood sugar drop and need something with healthy carbs fast. With plenty of plant based protein, fibre and healthy fats, these flapjacks can be made into bites or bars, and popped into your bag to enjoy with tea or coffee. Have a go at making these this weekend and enjoy them all next week!
As we move towards warmer, sunnier months here in the UK, there’s often a BBQ or two to attend or host; you might spend more time eating outside; or perhaps you’re in the mood for more fresh food and different tastes.