Ritucharya (Routines) for Summer
During each season, the body responds to the environment and makes natural shifts to be in harmony with the weather, daylight, and temperature. Each season is also ruled by a dosha, which means that dosha is more likely to be aggravated during that season. Kapha is aggravated by the moisture in late winter and spring, Pitta is aggravated in the heat of summer, and Vata is aggravated by the dryness of fall and early winter.
In general, we notice a shift in the seasons as the daylight changes and the qualities of weather move from hot to cool or dry to moist. During the seasonal shifts, it is important to support the body’s transition and adjust activities to support balance. Seasonal changes are also a perfect time to do a cleanse, eating foods that support detoxification of any undigested food or experiences from the previous season and allowing the body to enter the new season with a fresh start. Since the weather varies in different geographic regions and seasons don’t always follow “normal” patterns, it’s best to focus on the qualities present each day and make mindful choices to support balance. Think about bringing in opposing qualities to bring about balance based on the day’s weather conditions.
Pitta season is characterized by hot, bright, and sharp energies that are present in summer. Opposite qualities bring balance, so cool, heavy, grounding, and calm conditions and environment will pacify Pitta.
Meals and drinks should be cool, heavy and bland/mild.
Add plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to the diet including salads and other raw foods in moderation
Emphasize sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes; avoid hot, spicy, sour, and pungent tastes
Cook meals in the morning to avoid being in the kitchen during warm times of the day
Avoid extended exposure to the sun or vigorous activity during the heat of the day; avoid alcohol, which is heating
Herbs to benefit Pitta: cardamom, fennel, coriander, amalaki
The best foods to eat are the ones that are in season. For summer this includes sweet fruits, cucumbers, summer squash and leafy greens. Each dosha has its own set of recommended foods for balance and optimal health and digestion. First, look at the seasonal foods list and recommended types of foods to be eating based on the time of year, then layer on recommendations based on characteristics of the dosha that needs balancing in your own body finding the overlapping foods. In summer for example, salad greens are in season and fit the recommendation of being cooling. This is a perfect food for those with a Pitta constitution, but those with a Vata or Kapha constitutions should eat this food in moderation to avoid too much cooling and detoxifying energy. Seasonal recommendations for each dosha are listed in the chart below.
Check out these recipes that incorporate the following seasonal ingredients for summer.
Foods for Pitta Season
**Meat and seafood are not commonly recommended in Ayurveda, as many Ayurvedic foods are vegetarian, though small quantities of meat and seafood are recommended for certain individuals.