Are you looking forward to holiday gatherings with your pandemic pod and family? Maybe you are a little hesitant to gather after such a long period of social distancing and health anxiety. No matter which camp you are in, there are some tips that may help you get through the holiday season. Since what we eat plays such an enormous role in how we feel, physically and emotionally, let’s incorporate some healthy food habits into this year’s holiday feasts.
As a lifelong chef and herbalist, I have a deep appreciation for the flavorful impact of herbs and spices and the healthy benefits they offer. You probably already use herbs in your holiday cooking so why not try them in some new ways this winter? From the first sips of hibiscus ginger apple cider to the last bites of pear pink pepper pie, you’ll get digestive support, immune boosting, and calming for your nerves.
Before we get into the recipes, let’s cover a few basic healthy digestion tips from Ayurveda, India’s traditional medical system.
- Get some exercise every day. Something you enjoy and just enough, not to exhaustion. This boosts your metabolism, helps to boost circulation and immunity, and has enormous mental health benefits. Extra points if you get outside in nature.
- Sip hot water with lemon or hot herbal tea throughout the day. This aids digestion of fats, helps you stay hydrated, and helps to calm the nervous system.
- Try to only eat when you are hungry and pay attention to your food, eating until you are content but not “full.” Leave room for digestion. When the stomach is overfilled, digestion is more sluggish and needs more of our energy, hence the food coma.
- Lastly, try taking a short walk after eating your meal, or laying down on your left side for five to ten minutes. Both of these habits improve digestion and assimilation.
Try these delicious, herb-infused recipes for your next holiday gathering. They are simple, packed with nutrients, and help to keep your immune and digestive systems functioning well through the winter.
Spiced Kumquat and Ginger Chutney
Ingredients
- 2 cups kumquats, quartered lengthwise, seeded
- 1/2 cup cane sugar or coconut palm sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh orange or tangelo juice
- ½ cup dried cranberries or currants
- 1/4 cup chopped sweet onion
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground star anise
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper (optional)
Preparation
- Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan.
- Bring mixture to boil. Boil until kumquat skins are tender and mixture thickens slightly, stirring occasionally, about 15-30 minutes.
- Transfer chutney to bowl and cool. Cover and store in the refrigerator.
- Makes 2 cups but can be doubled or tripled easily.
