{"id":1493,"date":"2015-06-28T09:00:46","date_gmt":"2015-06-28T13:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/safaraf.com\/?p=1493"},"modified":"2015-06-28T08:57:47","modified_gmt":"2015-06-28T12:57:47","slug":"summer-season-health-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/safaraf.com\/?p=1493","title":{"rendered":"Summer Season Health Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>As promised you have today another post for the week.\u00a0 Though I am looking out my window at what is a rain-swept landscape and my hands are a bit chilled I have at the same time had my share of sun and fun this week.\u00a0 This summer seems to have such ebbs and flows.\u00a0 Recognizing such it behooves us to take our time in transitioning into this season with the care and attention to ourselves in a rhythm and flow that lends itself easily and in pace with its unfolding.<\/p>\n

We can do so by following the principle of applying care and attention to what our body, mind and spirit are sharing with us.\u00a0 Begin by tuning into ourselves, do a check-in.<\/p>\n

Check-in-“Catching-up”<\/p>\n

We do ourselves good to catch up\u00a0with\u00a0ourselves\u00a0by taking some time to ask and inquire\u00a0within.\u00a0 We can do so by any act that allows us to hear our internal voice.\u00a0 For me this usually involves some combination of taking a walk,\u00a0sitting in quiet meditation,\u00a0yoga\u00a0or any\u00a0number of\u00a0stretches.<\/p>\n

I enjoy writing and this for me is\u00a0my tool for expression.\u00a0 Others may find that art, music or any number of other artistic means call to them.\u00a0 Whatever methodology you choose, enjoy it as an exploration into yourself and an opportunity to begin a new with the\u00a0season and yourself.<\/p>\n

Seasonal Vegetables- Explore<\/p>\n

As\u00a0this first week of summer\u00a0begins it opens the kitchen door as well.\u00a0 It invites us to explore what the season brings with the vibrant energy and colors that it represents.\u00a0 With local farmers markets the fresh produce we can find is boundless.\u00a0 Check out the growing season in your area of the country.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0growing season is\u00a0the period of the year when crops of vegetation indigenous to your geographical area in their peak freshness.\u00a0The fragrance of a fresh head of basil or kale- yes fragrance is unlike it has been at any other time here.\u00a0 The greens are plentiful in summer so find your plate full of them and enjoy a healthy dose of their power packed vitamins and minerals whenever you can.\u00a0 The beets\u00a0are bursting with their red, orange and\u00a0yellow hues as well and will complement your dish with their flavor and color.<\/p>\n

Summer squash or what is called “zucchini” will be\u00a0popping up in July and will find themselves\u00a0at your\u00a0table soon enough.\u00a0 I had my first sighting of zucchini blossoms at my local coop and took them home.\u00a0If you have a friend or neighbor with a plot of fresh\u00a0vegetables invite them for a gathering and sample away.<\/p>\n

Kitchen\u00a0Prep- Cooking methods<\/p>\n

With summer, the light that streams from our kitchen window beckons us to be outside.\u00a0 With such we do ourselves good to enjoy as much time as we can in the wonderful sun.\u00a0 This means less time in the kitchen with lengthy cooking modalities.\u00a0 The crock pot that made your small grain rice maybe can be stowed away for the season and replaced with the stove top method and some long grain rice.\u00a0 Some dishes you will find will be more refreshing served chilled.\u00a0 Chilled tofu with a bit of scallion will require little prep and your local seasonal vegetables can be used for a pressed\u00a0vegetable salad with umeboshi plum vinegar.\u00a0 Picking what is ripe and heading for a quick prep is the method of choice; quick saut\u00e9 and\u00a0simple boil.<\/p>\n

Seasonal Foods- Sea Vegetables-<\/p>\n

This time of year invite sea vegetables in salads and condiments as you prepare your meals.\u00a0 Allow them to be included in your vegetables, beans and noodle dishes.\u00a0 Chopping up some shiso leaves and adding some hijiki to your meal will refresh and bring goodness from the seas to your dish.<\/p>\n

Well, I hope you find yourself with the opportunities the season brings to begin a new enjoyment of your foods and pleasures of life with your healthy self.<\/p>\n

In health,<\/p>\n

Safara<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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