Healthy Holiday Feasts: Ayurvedic Food Tips for Busy Mums
I love summer but it can be a challenge in Australia as it’s also the time of Christmas and many festivities which can make you exhausted. Sunny days, backyard barbeques and holiday chaos all mixed into one. For busy mums managing the heat and the holidays can be a challenge. Just the thought of heavy Christmas food when the weather is hot can make your head spin and also hard to digest for your stomach. As I’m brought up in a cold climate, Christmas in Australia is very different. I still try to incorporate my traditions and food but had to change it up a bit to fit in with the hot weather.
This is the season to spend with family and friends but for us mums it can be difficult to stay balanced and energised amongst it all plus create a delicious Christmas spread. In this blog I will give you some tips that can help you get through the Christmas holidays and create some easy and yummy foods that is quick to make and gives you more time over to enjoy the holidays and relax.
Christmas beverages
When times are busy especially around Christmas it’s easy to forget to to keep hydrated. I have to admit I get sick of the simple plain water and like to have alternatives to make it a bit of fun. As man are also driving around Christmas and it’s very hot it’s important to have non-alcoholic alternatives to serve your family and guests. Hydration can be both healthy and delicious! These easy recipes will keep you and your family refreshed, whether it’s a hot summer day or a festive gathering. Using fruits, herbs, and sparkling water, these drinks are perfect for all ages. Try them and let me know what you think.
Citrus and mint sparkle
Ingredients:
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
A handful of fresh mint leaves
1 liter soda water or still water
Ice cubes
Instructions:
Add the orange and lemon slices to a large pitcher.
Gently crush mint leaves to release their aroma and add them to the pitcher.
Fill with soda water or still water, add ice, and stir gently.
Serve immediately or let it sit for 10 minutes for a stronger flavor.
2. Berry Bliss Fizz 🍓🫐
Ingredients:
1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
1 liter soda water
Ice cubes
Instructions:
Muddle the berries at the bottom of a pitcher or glass to release their juices.
Add soda water and stir gently.
Sweeten with honey or syrup if desired.
Add ice cubes and serve with a sprig of mint for garnish.
5. Apple & Cinnamon Sparkle 🍎✨
Ingredients:
1 apple, thinly sliced
1 cinnamon stick
1 liter soda water or still water
Ice cubes
Instructions:
Add apple slices and the cinnamon stick to a large pitcher.
Pour in soda or still water and stir gently.
Let it sit for 15-20 minutes for the cinnamon to infuse.
Serve over ice for a cozy yet refreshing drink.
Tips for Customizing Your Drinks
Herbs: Experiment with basil, rosemary, or thyme for unique flavors.
Fruits: Use seasonal fruits like mango, kiwi, or passionfruit.
Sweeteners: Add a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or agave for a hint of sweetness.
Garnish: Use edible flowers or colorful fruit slices to make it visually appealing.
Easy savoury snack for family gatherings
Ayurveda offers a healthy way to balance your food and feel good. Christmas especially brings indulgence and lots of rich and heavy foods that can leave you feeling full and bloated. To overcome this I like to include some Ayurvedic snacks to help you feel nourished and balanced and still feel healthy inside. Here are some of my favourites.
Spiced roasted chickpeas
Toss chickpeas with olive oil, turmeric, cumin, and paprika, then roast until crispy.
Why Ayurvedic? Turmeric and cumin aid digestion, and this snack is light but filling
Roasted almonds
Soak the almonds in hot water so the skin comes loose. You can do this either on the stove or microwave. Then dry them lightly with a towel and put them on a oven tray. Set the oven on low heat and check regularly. When done sprinkle with rock salt.
Why Ayurvedic? When soaked they are easier to digest. They are also known for balancing Vata and Pitta.
Veggie sticks with mint-coriander
Serve cucumber, carrot, and celery sticks with a refreshing dip made from mint, coriander, lime, and yogurt.
Why Ayurvedic? Cooling and hydrating for hot climates, perfect for balancing Pitta
Sweet treats
I have a sweet tooth and love to end my meal with something delicious especially around Christmas. There is numerous options and it’s easy to overindulge but Ayurveda offers you treats that include warming spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, natural sweetness to keep you energised and give you a sugar kick. These or some of my top ones.
Rice pudding- an alternative to Swedish Christmas porridge ‘Ris a la malta’
This Ayurvedic rice pudding is a creamy, spiced dessert that balances the doshas and provides nourishment. Perfect for Christmas or any festive occasion, it uses warming spices and natural sweeteners for a healthier twist on the classic treat.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
1/2 cup basmati or arbori rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
4 cups almond milk (or cow’s milk for Pitta types)
1/4 cup jaggery or coconut sugar (adjust to taste)
2 tbsp ghee
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
A pinch of saffron strands (soaked in 1 tbsp warm milk)
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped almonds and pistachios (lightly toasted)
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional, for festive flavor)
Instructions
Prepare the Rice
Wash and soak the rice for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Rice
Heat butter or oil in a heavy-bottomed pot on medium heat.
Add the rice and lightly toast for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Add Milk
Pour in the almond milk and bring it to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the rice is soft and the mixture thickens (about 20-25 minutes).
Sweeten and Flavor
Stir in the sugar, cardamom, and saffron milk. Mix well until the sugar dissolves.
Add Fruits and Nuts
Add the raisins, almonds, and pistachios. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Optional Festive Spices
For a Christmas twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg at the end.
Serve Warm or Chilled
Garnish with extra nuts or a few saffron strands before serving. Enjoy warm for a cozy treat or chilled for a refreshing dessert.
Ginger and Cardamom cookies
These Ayurvedic-inspired cookies are warming, soothing, and perfect for the holiday season. They’re easy to make, naturally sweetened, and packed with spices that aid digestion and balance the doshas. Why not take out your cookie cutters and make some fun shapes with the kids.
Ingredients (Makes ~12 cookies)
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp ground ginger (supports digestion and boosts immunity)
1/2 tsp ground cardamom (calms Pitta and enhances sweetness)
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (balances Vata and Kapha)
1/4 cup jaggery or coconut sugar (natural sweetener)
1/4 cup ghee or coconut oil (for richness)
2 tbsp almond milk (adjust as needed for dough consistency)
1 tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of sea salt
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
Cream Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the ghee (or coconut oil) with jaggery until smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Add almond milk as needed to bind the dough.
Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls (about a tablespoon each) and flatten them slightly with your palm.
Bake
Arrange the cookies on the prepared tray, leaving some space between them. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack. Serve with chai or herbal tea for a festive Ayurvedic treat.
Choosing to include some Ayurvedic food into your Christmas will ensure you feel light, energised and more joyful during the holiday season. As busy mums these recipes help you gain back some me time and have more time to relax and not be in the kitchen for hours. Try Ayurvedic snacks this Christmas for a festive season that’s both delicious and mindful. What Ayurvedic treats will you add to your menu? Let me know!
