This time of year is full of travel, celebrations, and late nights. These are fun, but they can all also weaken agni (digestive fire). So, here are a few simple things I do to keep my agni strong without feeling restricted.
#1. Use digestion-enhancing spices!
Cumin, coriander, fennel, ginger, and black pepper all kindle agni and help assimilate and absorb food. Plus, they give food better flavor! ps. Add them to ghee at the beginning of cooking to activate them.
#2. I eat warm, freshly cooked meals when I can.
Warm food is easier to digest. Instead of cold cereal, go for spiced oats or stewed apples. Instead of a cold salad, try a small cup of soup or broth. Instead of iced drinks, try mulled cider or herbal tea – yum!
#3. I take a few deep breaths before eating.
Calming the nervous system supports digestion. The holidays are the perfect setting for this. You can ask everyone to say what they’re thankful for or give grace or blessing before the food is eaten to create that pause.
#4. I skip combining everything at once.
Certain foods are hard to digest together. I like to pair my protein with cooked vegetables (like roasted carrots or spiced sweet potatoes), grains (like herbed rice or warm stuffing), and cooked fruits (like cinnamon spiced apples or cranberry compote). I skip the salads and enjoy desserts outside the main meal.
#5. Enjoy dessert early!
In Ayurveda, the sweet taste is actually best digested first (and the closer to midday, the better), so I’m never afraid to enjoy a small, sweet treat in the afternoon or once my main meal has been digested (2-3 hours).
#6. Move a little after eating.
I love taking a family walk, dancing, playing music together, or an active game – like charades. This helps digestion do its job!
Looking for some Ayurvedic twists on holiday favorites?
Our Recipe Collection on simpleveda.com is full of ideas:
