Seasonal superfoods: Ayurvedic recipes to keep you energised this December
The holiday season is here, and for us busy mums, it's all about balancing festive celebrations with staying healthy and energised.
Christmas is one of my favourite holidays of the year but of course it’s a bit different to celebrate in the heat compared to cold and snowy times in my home country Sweden. Even though I’ve lived in Australia for over 20years I still like to incorporate the Christmas traditions I was brought up with , although a bit modified due to the hot weather.
As the summer heat kicks in across Australia, Ayurvedic-inspired cooking offers a way to embrace the season’s fresh produce while keeping meals quick, nourishing, and stress-free, perfect for busy mums and their families.
Summer Fruits and Swedish-Spiced Traditions
This time of year brings an abundance of vibrant summer fruits like mangoes, berries, peaches and melons. Mangoes, in particular, are a favorite—they’re cooling, energising, and perfect for smoothies or colorful fruit salads. To bring in a festive feel, I love incorporating spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg from my Swedish heritage. These warming spices pair beautifully with summer fruits, adding a Christmas vibe to your dishes.
Making Holiday Cooking Easier
Prep in Advance: Make snacks like bliss balls or spiced nuts in batches so you have healthy treats ready.
Simple, Refreshing Meals: Opt for salads, cold soups, and light curries to avoid spending hours in a hot kitchen.
Use Seasonal Ingredients: Incorporate the freshest produce to minimize prep time while maximizing flavour and nutrition.
Ayurveda offers refreshing and nourishing recipes to keep your energy levels balanced and your body cool. Here are a few quick and easy ideas to try this December:
Cooling Mango Lassi 🍹
This classic Ayurvedic drink is perfect for summer, balancing the heat and soothing your digestive system.
Ingredients:
1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
1 cup yogurt (use plant-based for a vegan option)
1/2 cup water
A pinch of cardamom powder
1 tsp honey or jaggery (optional)
Instructions:
Blend all the ingredients until smooth. Serve chilled for a refreshing pick-me-up.
Ayurvedic Benefits:
Mango: Sweet and cooling, it pacifies Vata and Pitta doshas.
Yogurt: A probiotic powerhouse that aids digestion and balances the gut.
Cardamom: A calming spice that enhances digestion and adds a soothing aroma
Ayurvedic Recipes to Keep You Energized This December (Summer Edition for Busy Mums) 🌿☀️
As summer heats up in Australia, staying energized while juggling the holiday season is a top priority for busy mums. Ayurveda offers refreshing and nourishing recipes to keep your energy levels balanced and your body cool. Here are a few quick and easy ideas to try this December:
Iced Spiced Chai Tea 🧊🍵
A summer twist on the classic chai, perfect for mornings or a mid-day boost.
Ingredients:
2 cups water
1 black tea bag or 1 tsp loose tea leaves
2-3 crushed cardamom pods
1 small cinnamon stick
A few slices of fresh ginger
1 tsp honey (optional)
Ice cubes and a splash of milk or plant-based milk
Instructions:
Boil the water with cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger for 5 minutes.
Add the tea leaves and steep for 3-5 minutes.
Strain and let it cool.
Pour over ice, add milk, and enjoy!
Christmas bliss balls with ayurvedic benefits (nut free)
Ingredients:
1 cup medjool dates (pitted)
1/2 cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup desiccated coconut
1 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (balances Vata and Kapha)
1/4 tsp ground ginger (a warming spice for digestion)
1/4 tsp ground cardamom (soothes Pitta and enhances sweetness)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tbsp coconut oil (adjust as needed)
A pinch of nutmeg (optional, for festive warmth)
Optional Coatings:
Desiccated coconut
Raw cacao powder
Instructions:
Prepare the Seeds:
In a food processor, blend the sunflower or pumpkin seeds until finely ground.Blend the Dates & Coconut:
Add the pitted dates and desiccated coconut to the food processor with the ground seeds. Process until the mixture starts to come together.Add Spices & Chia Seeds:
Add the chia seeds, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg (if using), and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is smooth and sticky.Adjust the Consistency:
Add coconut oil one tablespoon at a time if the mixture feels too dry. It should stick together when pressed.Roll into Balls:
Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls.Chill & Serve:
Place the bliss balls on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Seeds: Sunflower and pumpkin seeds provide healthy fats, protein, and energy—great for balancing Vata during the summer heat.
Spices: Ground cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom help improve digestion and keep you feeling grounded and warm during the festive season.
Chia Seeds: A nutrient powerhouse, perfect for sustaining energy and hydration during busy holiday times.
Tips for Festive Flair:
For extra flavor, try rolling the bliss balls in a mix of desiccated coconut and cinnamon.
These bliss balls make a great gift or snack for the whole family to enjoy throughout the holiday season.
These Ayurvedic Christmas bliss balls are a quick, no-bake treat that brings together health, energy, and holiday cheer. Enjoy them as a snack, gift, or dessert this festive season! 🌟🎅
Save this recipe and share it with someone who loves festive healthy treats!
Top Ayurvedic superfoods
Ayurvedic superfoods are perfect for cooling the body, pacifying Pitta dosha, and keeping you energized during the summer months. Here are some of my favourites that also works well in with the Christmas food.
Pomegranate
Packed with antioxidants and helps pacify Pitta while boosting energy. Add seeds to salads, sprinkle on yogurt, or juice for a refreshing drink. It also looks great with it’s deep red colour, very suitable for the Christmas salads.
Watermelon
Sweet, juicy, and hydrating, perfect for reducing body heat. Enjoy fresh slices, add to fruit salads, or blend into a cooling juice. Perfect for the party or bringing to the beach.
Coconut Water
Naturally hydrating, packed with electrolytes, and excellent for cooling. Sip on fresh coconut water as a refreshing drink or use it as a base for smoothies
Zucchini
A water-rich vegetable that’s easy to digest and cooling for the body. Use in salads, spiralize into noodles, or roast lightly for summer meals.
Ayurvedic Tips for Staying Energised This Summer
Drink plenty of water infused with mint, cucumber, or lime.
Avoid heavy, oily, or overly spicy meals during the heat of the day.
Incorporate sweet, bitter, and astringent foods to balance your Pitta dosha.
Take short breaks to practice deep breathing or quick meditation to recharge your energy.
These Ayurvedic recipes and tips will help you stay cool, energized, and balanced this summer. Take a moment for yourself, savour these nourishing dishes, and keep thriving as the amazing mum you are!
Save these recipes for your summer routine and share your favorites by tagging @yogabykajsa
