Thanksgiving is one of the most anticipated and celebrated holidays in the United States. However, it’s also known for being a time when we indulge in heavy, high-calorie meals that leave us feeling sluggish and bloated. So why not try something different this year? Ayurveda, the ancient practice of holistic healing from India, has some tips for creating a healthier Thanksgiving meal that will leave you feeling lighter and more nourished – without skimping on flavor. Tune in, to learn the tastiest Ayurvedic tips for healthy eating at Thanksgiving.

Ayurveda recognizes six tastes that are required to satisfy our tastebuds and bring balance to our system: sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. To enhance digestion before the feast, serve ayurvedic ginger nectar. Ginger is known for its digestive properties and adding honey and lemon gives it a sweet and sour taste. This nectar not only adds a delicious flavor to your Thanksgiving meal but also helps to stimulate the digestive system.

Fermented foods are good for both the gut and the brain. Including fermented foods like tempeh, sauerkraut, kimchi, pickled daikon radish, yogurt, kefir, a cultured condiment such as fermented mayo or fermented horseradish, or a fermented salad dressing in your Thanksgiving meal can be extremely beneficial. These foods contain healthy gut bacteria that promote better digestion and enhance immune function. Additionally, fermented foods are a great source of probiotics that improve mental health and brain function.

Thanksgiving dishes contain plenty of vegetarian fats – in the form of nuts, seeds, and oils such as coconut, olive, and sesame oil, and ghee. These fats balance vata and feed the digestive fire, which can be weak around Thanksgiving time. Adding nuts and seeds to dishes like root vegetables, salads, or desserts boosts flavor and texture. Using ghee instead of butter in recipes like mashed potatoes adds a rich, nutty flavor while being easier on digestion.

It’s easy to get carried away during a holiday feast and overeat. Don’t forget that portion control is key to a healthy Thanksgiving meal. Ayurveda recommends eating until you’re 75% full, leaving that extra 25% for digestion. To prevent overeating, practice mindful eating. Take small bites, chew slowly, and savor each flavor. This not only helps keep the digestive system on track but also helps you appreciate and enjoy the flavors of your meal.

Thanksgiving is a time for celebration and enjoying good food with loved ones. However, it doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your health. Incorporating these Ayurvedic tips into your Thanksgiving meal will not only make it healthier and more nourishing but also delicious and flavorful. As we’ve learned, practicing portion control, adding fermented foods, and including healthy fats can help balance the digestive system and improve overall well-being. So, this Thanksgiving, try something new and see how good you can feel afterward.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love,

Michelle