MENU PLAN July Week 2
I try my best to eat according to the seasons. Seasonal produce is less expensive and fresher. When I eat in tune with nature, I just feel better. In Ayurveda, (a system of medicine that originated in India over 5000 years ago) Pitta or “summer” season starts in July and ends in October. According to Ayurveda, when you eat cooling foods in summer it keeps your body balanced. Irritability, impatience, heartburn, acid reflux, stomach ulcers, sensitivity to heat, sarcasm, skin rashes, boils, acne, low blood sugar and difficulty falling asleep are all signs that you may have excess Pitta. This summer season try to eat more raw, cooling foods like fresh ripe berries, melons, apples, apricots, grapes, peaches, pears, plums, asparagus, bell peppers, broccoli, cabbage, celery, cilantro, leafy greens, snow peas, and summer squash. It just make sense to eat salads and lots of fresh from the garden veggies at this time of year versus rich stews and roasts.
Pantothenic acid is the inCYST Nutrition 101 micronutrient of the week. Let’s see how we can add foods that contain this important B Vitamin.
MEATLESS MONDAY Summer Lentil Salad Lentils are high in panothenic acid and a perfect pick for Meatless Monday. I will probably serve this on a bed of lettuce picked fresh from my garden. Lentils, unlike dry beans cook rather quickly and you don’t have to soak them.
TUESDAY Chicken with Blueberry Ginger Chutney with Steamed Yellow Wax Beans and Sliced Tomatoes. You may want to use a bit less sugar or substitute with agave in the chutney. The chicken is high in pantothenic acid.
WEDNESDAY Tomato Bruschetta with Tuna and Cannellini Beans Hopefully you can find some fresh heirloom tomatoes for this recipe. The canned tuna and beans are both high in pantothenic acid.
THURSDAY Summer Squash Frittata with Fresh Salsa The eggs in this dish are high in pantothenic acid. I may serve this with a homemade gluten-free Bob’s Red Mill corn muffin.
FRIDAY Pan-seared Cod over Vegetable Ragout with Parmesan Polenta. You can really add whatever veggies you wish to the ragout. The cod has lots of pantothenic acid.
