Summer solstice (June 21st) is on the way. Our energy should be peaking, at the most Yang time of year. Here are recommended foods to feel most in harmony with the season.
During the summer months, the plant life is full of vital life force. We should have transitioned from a winter diet (more cooked food, protein and fat) through Spring, when we began to lighten up and unclog our livers, to Summer ~ A constant flow of changes!
The element of summer is fire, the color is red, the flavor is bitter, and the energy of fire is connected to the heart and small intestine.
The hours of the day when the Heart is most active are between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; small intestine is 1 to 3 p.m.
Foods that most enhance the fire element:
Grains: Corn, maize, popcorn, amaranth, quinoa
Vegetables: Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, chives, endive, okra, scallions
Beans: red lentils, chickpeas
Fruits: apricot, guava, strawberry, persimmon, peaches, cherries
Fish: shrimp, lobster, crab
Spices: chilis, curry, and spices in general are considered fire foods