You Are What You Eat, Digest, and Absorb: A Summer Reset from the Inside Out
Summer is finally in full swing, and like clockwork, I notice my cravings start to shift. Heavier foods lose their appeal, and I naturally lean into things that feel light, fresh, and hydrating—like juicy watermelon, crisp greens, or a handful of strawberries from my husband’s garden.
This time of year a great reminder that nourishment isn’t just about what we eat. It’s about what we digest and absorb, too.
At breathe, we talk a lot about alignment—not just in your yoga postures, but in the way you live and take care of yourself. Food is no exception. When eating, digestion, and absorption are all working together, you can feel the difference. You have more energy, your skin glows, and you just feel more like you.
Let’s talk about how to reset from the inside out this summer.
Eat: Fuel That Feels Good
Summer is the perfect time to listen to your body. Lighter, hydrating foods feel really good this time of year—things like cucumber salads, fresh herbs, stone fruits, grilled veggies, and cold soups.
But eating well isn’t just about what’s on your plate—it’s also about how you’re eating.
I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way!) that how we eat matters just as much as what we eat. When you’re present with your meals, your body can actually take in the nourishment you’re giving it. So slow down, breath, and actually taste your food.
Digest: Stoke Your Inner Fire
In yoga, your digestive fire is called Agni—and it’s more than just your stomach doing its job. It’s about your whole system being able to process and transform what you take in.
For example, certain yoga poses—especially twists—help stoke this fire.
Here are a few other simple practices I love for digestion:
Warm water with lemon first thing in the morning
Seated or reclined twists (especially in the evening or after meals)
A few deep breaths before you eat—shift out of stress mode and into “rest and digest”
A short walk after a meal
And remember—digestion isn’t just physical. We’re also constantly digesting life: emotions, conversations, experiences. Give yourself time and space to process. Sometimes the best thing you can “do” is pause.
Absorb: Let It In
Absorption is where the magic happens! Your body can only use what it’s able to absorb, so it’s important to set the right conditions for that to happen.
Gut health, stress levels, hydration, sleep—all of it matters here. And no surprise: your nervous system plays a big role. If your body is in fight-or-flight mode all the time, it’s harder to absorb nutrients and feel nourished on a deep level.
Here are a few things that help me (and might help you too):
Whole foods + fiber + fermented foods = a happy gut. A high-quality probiotic is part of my daily healthy gut routine.
Staying hydrated
Daily meditation—even just 5–10 minutes can calm your system and help everything work better
So this summer, give yourself permission to reset. Eat what feels good. Move your body in ways that support digestion. Breathe before meals. Let it all in. You are what you eat, digest, and absorb—so make it delicious, make it intentional, and make it yours.
