Late Summer season is associated with the Earth element. The Earth element is associated with the Spleen and Stomach energies, two organs that play a major role in the function of our digestion and assimilation. Part of slowing down in this season is simplifying our diet. This means to prepare simple, whole food meals that aren’t too sweet or spicy, cold or hot. Stoking the digestive fire is an important part of preparation for cooler seasons as digestion can become damp and cool as the temperatures (and our activity level) reduce!
– Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables like apples, pears, and figs. These foods help to nourish the spleen and stomach and support digestion
– Avoid greasy and fried foods
– Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, and parsnips
– Butternut squash, acorn squash, and other winter quash
– Pumpkin, even canned pumpkin is such a simple ingredient to have on hand to add to soups!
– Rice, potatoes, and mushrooms
– Season foods with warming seasonings like ginger, turmeric, nutmeg, and cinnamon help gently transition into fall and winter
– Lentils and legumes are great for adding protein and balancing blood sugar
– Barley (An excellent grain for soups, stews, and congee! – This grain can help to add bulk for those with loose stools)
– Sprouted grains like quinoa and rice
– Oatmeal – add in apples, pears, or figs (or all three!) and season with ginger, cinnamon, ghee, coconut oil, or butter.
– Ginger tea, spice in foods, and candied ginger stoke the digestive fire
– Sip bone broth (warm, not hot!)
– Balance your plate with leafy greens and small portions of meat
– Soups and stews are a great way to combine meat, vegetables, and grains
Enjoy food by eating slowly and chewing thoroughly. Nourish yourself by eating meals with friends over great conversation. This aids digestion as well! Pay attention to how you feel and stop eating when you are full. Belching is a sign of a full stomach!
Dietary therapy is a simple way to support your body in times of transition. We are eating anyway, all the better if it has therapeutic results!
This post was written by Hailey Ward-Maldonado, July 2024