Cooling Summer Recipe: Vegan "Tuna" Spread

Picnic pot luck season is upon us! The weather is hot, the days are long and it’s a perfect time to gather, eat and connect!

By: Dr. Hilda Gonzalez

During the summer months, our bodies naturally crave more cooling foods which can help reduce sensations of heat in the body as well as sweat.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Summer is the season of the Fire Element and it recommends a shift in our habits and routines to align with the season.

Yang Vs. Yin in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Yang in TCM represents heat. When there is too much heat in the body, it harms the Yin (which is the cooler, winter aspect). Heat is introduced to the body through the external environment - temperature - or through diet - spicy foods. During the heat of summer, it is recommended to focus on predominately cooling ‘yin’ foods to disperse heat and build up body fluids.

Curious about the different between Yin and Yang? Learn More: BREAKING DOWN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YIN AND YANG IN TCM

Foods to Eat in the Summer According to TCM

Bitter forward foods correspond to the fire element so the focus of the season should be bitter–cool or bitter–cold foods. In general, choose lighter foods to avoid indigestion.

Cooling foods to look for:

Fruits: Apple, lemon, kiwi, watermelon, orange, pear, pineapple, tangerine

Vegetables: Cucumber, Belgian endive hearts, spinach, tomato, salads, yogurt, wheat, barley, fish, rabbit, mint, dill, cilantro

Hydrate: Lots of water, watermelon juice, green tea

Avoid: Cold temperature foods (such as ice cream - it will slow the digestive system down) Hot and dry foods such as coffee, excessively spicy foods.

If you are looking for a plant based, high protein cooling summer recipe, I invite you to try one of my favorites. Enjoy!

Vegan "Tuna" Spread: This recipe is refreshing and it is high in protein and fiber; vitamins like Vitamin E and B6; minerals like magnesium, iron and zinc and it is low in sugar.

Ingredients: