Late summer brings warm days, lingering sunshine, and (for many of us) a touch of burnout from all the heat and intensity of the season. Ayurveda teaches that this is a transitional time, a shift from Pitta’s fire toward the airy energy of Vata season. How you eat during this window can make all the difference in keeping your body cool, calm, and balanced.

Why Seasonal Eating Matters in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, eating in alignment with the seasons helps your digestion (agni) stay strong and prevents imbalance. Late summer is a tricky time, our bodies are still exposed to the heat of Pitta season, but the air begins to carry the dryness of fall. Without adjusting what we eat, we risk symptoms like:

Skin irritation or breakouts

Heartburn or excess heat in the body

Feeling scattered, restless, or anxious

Best Foods for Late Summer Balance

Here are Ayurvedic guidelines for eating during late summer:

Favor cooling, hydrating foods: cucumbers, melons, pears, zucchini, and coconut water.

Cook your meals lightly: avoid heavy, oily, or fried foods that can feel too hot or sluggish.

Spice gently: opt for cooling spices like coriander, fennel, cumin, and cardamom.

Don’t skip grounding grains: basmati rice, quinoa, and barley help transition toward fall.

Leafy greens + beans: keep your meals nourishing without overheating digestion.

My Go-To Ayurvedic Support: Paavani Pitta Spice Mix

One of my favorite tools for late summer is the Paavani Pitta Spice Mix (use code MOKSHA10 for 10% off). 🌿

This blend includes cooling, digestion-friendly spices like coriander, fennel, and cardamom, perfect for sprinkling on veggies, grains, or even soups. It makes seasonal eating feel effortless and keeps your meals Ayurvedically aligned without overthinking it.

Easy Recipe Idea: Cooling Pitta Bowl

Base: quinoa or basmati rice

Veggies: steamed zucchini, cucumber, and leafy greens

Protein: chickpeas or mung beans

Topping: avocado slices + squeeze of lime

Sprinkle with Paavani Pitta Spice Mix for balance + flavor

This bowl is quick, nourishing, and perfectly suited for the late summer transition.

Closing Thoughts

Seasonal eating isn’t about perfection, it’s about aligning with nature in small, sustainable ways. By favoring cooling foods, grounding grains, and Ayurvedic spices, you’ll glide through late summer feeling balanced and ready for fall.

Want more Ayurvedic lifestyle tips? Come hang out with me on Instagram @ayurveda.bianca 💛