From a Western perspective it is not ‘officially’ summer yet. However, according to Ayurveda, we’ve entered Pitta season in May. For many people, this period (May till September) is their favourite time of year. Warm weather, long days, lot’s of light, and loads of great things to do…

Pitta is one of the three Ayurverdic Dosha’s (Vata and Kapha being the other two) and is mainly made up from the element Fire – combined with a little bit of water. Qualities of Pitta are: hot, light, oily, sharp, liquid and mobile.

People tend to have more energy in summer – a typical sign there’s Pitta involved. Pitta’s mental attributes are determination, persistence, goal orientation and will power. All these things involve energy, power and strength. As the sun rises higher to the sky and the days get longer, it feels like the world is more radiant and things come more effortless – a perfect time for pursuing your goals and dreams.

Ayurveda states: the higher the sun, the stronger our digestive fire. Therefore it is said that eating your biggest meal between 10 and 2 (Pitta time of day) is best. Pitta is the best season for eating raw and cold foods such as salads and vegetable juices, as it requires strong digestion. Moreover, if you want to do a small detox, Pitta season is perfect for considering a one-day juice fast every week. As stated in one of my previous blogs, Ayurveda is not in favour of long periods of fasting, because it can cause a shock for the body – especially if you have a Vata constitution.

It is important to follow a Pitta-reducing diet in summer, especially if you have a Pitta constitution*. This means avoiding food that has the same qualities as Pitta, such as hot and spicy food, fried and greasy food, salty, sour and pungent foods such as citrus fruits, garlic, onions, but also tomatoes, peppers and paprika’s. Choose green (leafy) vegetables such as spinach, endives, lettuce, watercress, broccoli, and asparagus and sweet fruits. Try to avoid red and orange colours as much as possible and take it easy on the alcohol. If you have a Pitta constitution, you can eat raw food and cold salads. Vata and Kapha types can do better with cooked food eaten cold, such as salads with cooked rice and (green) vegetables.

With longer days and warmer temperatures, we have the tendency of eating less. Therefore, making sure you eat the right breakfast is important. Quinoa is a very light, but truly nourishing food. Most people use it as a substitute for rice in their evening meal, but it is actually very suitable as basis for a light porridge in the morning. Quick, easy and super healthy!

* There are 3 types/constitutions: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. To get an idea about your constitution, you can take this test.

*Lukewarm Coconut Quinoa Porridge with almonds and cinnamon*

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon ghee
• ½ – 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 5 – 10 unsalted almonds
• 2 teaspoons chia seeds (optional)

Cook 1 cup of quinoa in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes. Once the seeds turn transparent, the quinoa is done. The water should be completely evaporated. Add the coconut milk to the quinoa and warm up until the quinoa absorbs the liquid. Take the pan off the fire. Add the ghee and cinnamon and stir. Chop up the almonds and add them to the porridge, together with the chia seeds. Let cool down a bit and find a place in the shadow for eating, to soothe Pitta.

Adjustments according to your constitution

Kapha people should leave out both the ghee and the coconut milk as they are both Kapha increasing. Also, go easy on the almonds, as nuts are fatty and heavy. Sorry! Chop up the almonds. If you have a Vata constitution, it is wise to soak them in water before chopping them – this makes it easier to digest. Pitta types should take it easy on the cinnamon, as it is a warming herb. As an alternative, they could add some fennel seeds, to give a nice and sweet flavour to the porridge.

You can make all kinds of variations to this breakfast, such as adding chocolate nibs, replacing the coconut milk with almond or rice milk, adding some granola or some maple syrup (not for Kapha)!

Enjoy your breakfast! <3