Written by John Immel, Asheville, NC

Introduction

The seemingly endless summer does, in fact, transition to fall this month. The long, hot days are a little bit shorter in August as the sun sets earlier and earlier each evening. The morning air has an unmistakable chill signalling autumn is near. Do you welcome the fresher mornings and cooler nights? Or do you cling to the summer's lingering warmth? Either way, preparing for the coming change of season is a must.

Do you live in the Southern Hemisphere? You may need the 15 Ayurvedic Recipes for February instead.

August is dry. While you can still hit the beach and bask in the summer sun, you'll probably notice the cooler breeze in the air. August hovers on the line between Pitta and Vata season. Once you feel a regular chill in the morning (it may even wake you up), you have entered Vata season. Maybe you can already feel a twinge of the mounting Vata anxiety in the air as teachers and students return to school.

August Adjustments

The heat and humidity of summer start to wane in August as the air becomes cooler and drier. As dryness increases in the body, you may notice more anxiety, insomnia, and harder stools. To stay balanced and vital during the transition to fall, your diet should include richer, sweeter, more moist foods. These will keep you hydrated during the dry month of August. Sour peaches and tomatoes, also rich in fiber, will keep the bowels healthy and moving.

By taking a little time this month to adjust your diet, you'll feel alive and balanced this fall, instead of frazzled or nervous. By changing with the season, you'll be able to sit back, relax and soak up the remainder of the summer sunshine. Here are the top 10 Ayurvedic Recipes for August that will help you transition from the heat of summer to the cooler days ahead!

August Meals

Start your day with a batch of Buckwheat Tea Cake with Orange Zest and Raspberry. Sweet and heavy, this comforting dish will pacify the accumulating imbalance of Vata dosha. These berry-filled bites are cooling in nature, meaning they will help you beat any residual heat after a long, hot summer. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, a snack on the go, or to share among friends.

If a hot August afternoon has overheated you, and withered your strength, cool off with a refreshing glass of Cucumber Pear Juice. It will cool and clean the digestive tract, and help pacify fiery digestive issues like heartburn or acid indigestion, and rejuvenate you. Pears are ripe and ready to be enjoyed in August. Their demulcent qualities soothe and coat an inflamed digestive tract. A tall glass of this fresh juice will freshen the mind too, adding a splash of cool to a heated mood.

Digestive strength (agni) is weaker in summer months with the heat. Easy to digest, nourishing Coconut Rice will cool the internal heat that has built up over summer, while also boosting your immunity and vitality (ojas) ahead of fall - the season of depletion. If symptoms of Vata digestion, like gas and bloating, are already causing you trouble, whip yourself up a comforting bowl of this easy to digest rice dish.

Invite your friends and family around to share a meal in the garden while you still can. In a month or so, you'll be missing the days of outdoor dining. For these gatherings, you want something that will satisfy a crowd and is easy to share. Try this Gluten Free Pizza Made from Zucchini, Cheese & Egg or some Sweet Potato Chipotle Quesadillas for a casual evening meal on the patio. They are great crowd pleasers and are grounding and warm for the cooler evenings.

Enjoy a Sweet Treat

If you have a sweet tooth, this is one of the best times of year to relish in the delights of a fruity dessert. Sweet taste is an important part of the August diet. It cools the internal heat that has accumulated over summer, while grounding and stabilizing Vata as you move into fall.

What better way to enjoy the sweet taste than with some homemade desserts from succulent peaches! Peaches are juicy and will counter the dryness of August. They are also easy to digest so won't leave you feeling heavy and sluggish like a big piece of cake.

Rustic Peach Sorbet with Rosemary Oil will leave you refreshed and energized this month. Or, fill your home with the sweet scent of Baked Peaches with Vanilla, Nutmeg & Cloves. It warms the tummy and gives you the first taste of cozy fall meals. These peach based dishes provide sour taste, which whets your appetite, and softens stool, warding off dry constipation that may occur at this time of year.

Conclusion

August is the month to spend time outside, soaking up the last of the summer sun. Enjoy the long evenings in the company of friends, family and good food. Serve these 10 Ayurvedic Recipes for August outside, and enjoy the freedom of the season before it disappears for another year. August is the month to say goodbye to summer and prepare for cool, fresh and blustery fall. These recipes will help keep you balanced at this time of change, and guide you into the next season feeling vibrant and well.

Drink:
	Cucumber Pear Juice Smoothie
Breakfast:
	Buckwheat Tea Cake with Orange Zest & Raspberry
	Tofu Scramble with Kale, Fennel & Tomato
Lunch / Dinner:
	Sweet Potato Chipotle Quesadillas
	Quinoa Stuffed Red Bell Peppers
	Gluten Free Pizza Crust Made from Zucchini, Cheese & Egg
	Coconut Rice
	Raw Vegetable Ribbon Taco with Yogurt Cilantro Sauce
Dessert:
	Baked Peaches with Vanilla, Nutmeg & Cloves
	Rustic Peach Sorbet with Rosemary Oil

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