It’s mid-August and, undoubtedly, you are enjoying the last few weeks of summer.
However, in the back of your mind you may be thinking about fall – kids back at school, shorter days, cooler nights. If you are like me – you are not looking forward to the weather ahead, yet are somewhat ready for a change. It is a natural cycle when we live with 4 seasons.
Traditional Chinese Medicine refers to late summer as the “fifth season”.
It is a transition point where the yang energy of the summer (long days, growth, expansion) start to give way to the more yin energy of fall and eventually winter (shorter days, cooler weather, darker skies). This is a natural cycle and is actually quite fascinating if you pay attention to the subtle process of change.
It is also time when we see changes in fresh foods – at the farmers market and grocery store.
You will notice is the changes in the color of the foods we see. We see foods that are golden, yellow and orange in color, sweet in nature as well as the dark leafy greens that are abundant as well:
- Squash
- Sweet Potatoes and Yams
- Garbanzo Beans
- Tofu
- Apricots and Cantaloupes
- Kale, Broccoli, Zucchini
As the weather changes and temperatures cool, be mindful of the temperature of the foods you eat. Eat foods that are neutral in temperature and, as winter approaches, prepare foods that are warmer in nature.
The cool foods of summer (salads, raw vegetables) become harder to process and weaken the root of our digestive system.
Much like the simplicity of eating fresh whole foods, the simple awareness of eating right for the season can make a big difference in health and wellness!
Nicely written ❣️