Magic Watermelon Juice

Ayurvedic Tips for a Marvellous Summer

Summer is dominated by the fire element. When in balance, fire gives our eyes and skin a radiant glow. Fire is responsible for enthusiasm and mental acuity. A healthy amount of fire gives us a quick, efficient metabolism. 

Fire that burns to high results in fatigue, heat exhaustion, dry skin and nails and acid reflux or diarrhea.

In order to keep our fire at a beneficial level we need hydration, rest and things that cool our system. 

Hydrate

Be sure to bring water with you if you’re going to be in the heat!  Drink at least 8 ounces an hour to replenish what you lose in sweat.  Fruits rich in water content are also very hydrating and also help replenish electrolytes while cooling internal heat. Some examples are watermelon, lime, apple and coconut water. 

R and R

Remember, fire tends to burn fast and hot and then burn out. In order to maintain your energy engage in activities that soothe the heat. 

Early morning or late evening walks enable you to feel nature’s natural moisture: dew. 

Morning is full of the sounds of song birds and the gentle energy of the world waking up. The time just before dawn is said to be very healing for the nervous system!

Evening is full of the fragrance of night blooming plants and the energy of nature slowing down. Align yourself with the earth’s circadian rhthym to help balance your own!

If you can, enjoy a nap in the shade. This often enables you to drop out of your hectic mind and receive inspirations for your next steps in life or simple creative ideas and joy. 

Cool Eats and Drinks

Summer often stokes the metabolism and can be a season of indulging in fast food or junk food. 

This season is the best for consuming more liquid foods such as soups and juices. Light snacks and meals can be consumed every three hours in place of bigger, heavier meals.

Summer is one of the only seasons that most people can digest raw veggies, so take advantage of that!  Juicy fruits are in season to be enjoyed as well. 

The flavours that help keep fire in balance are sweet, bitter and astringent. 

Many herbs and veggies are astringent: mint, cucumbers, celery are some examples.

Bitter herbs like milk thistle, dandelion arugula, etc are all great choices. 

Incorporating some of these lifestyle habits will help you stay active and inspired without feeling drained. 

Eat spicy, sour and salty foods in moderation, as they increase the fire element. 

Keeping the fire healthy also helps to prevent fall allergies, viruses and dryness. 

Learning to live with the cycle of nature helps promote good health, mental clarity and a healthy nervous system. 

My Fave Watermelon Mint Juice Recipe

This juice is so yummy, hydrating and electrolyte rich!

4 cups cubed watermelon

7 mint leaves

Juice of one lime (2 TBSP)

Peel the lime

Simply throw everything into a blender 

If you like, add a pinch of salt to replace salt lost from sweating and to make the flavours pop.