With the holiday season upon us, you’ve likely been indulging in sweet and savory treats more than usual. There are many social gatherings that come with the holidays where there’s an abundance of food and drink options, plus it’s a popular time for holiday baking, or maybe colleagues and friends have been sharing food baskets or cookies with you in gratitude for a great year. It’s okay to put less of a focus on diet during the holiday season, but you don’t want to feel the discomfort that can come with overindulging. So, today we’re sharing 3 digestion-aiding drink recipes with you!

These recipes can help to ease feelings of fullness after a meal or promote gut health in general any time of day. It may be time to feast, but then it’s time to digest!  

Key Takeaways:

• The holidays can bring feelings of discomfort from overindulging on food.
• Try out these non-alcoholic drink recipes with digestion benefits this holiday season to feel better.
• Learn which ingredients are best for supporting gut health and digestion during the holiday season.

Table of Contents:

1. Turmeric Peppermint Smoothie
2. Hot Apple Cider with Ginger
3. Golden Milk with Saffron
4. Aid Your Digestion this Holiday Season

Turmeric Peppermint Smoothie

Both peppermint and turmeric have properties that support digestion and stomach comfort. Whether you prepare this smoothie for breakfast to get your gut on track at the start of the day or drink it as a post-meal dessert, you’ll be feeling the tasty benefits in this refreshing drink this holiday season!

Ingredients

• 2 small knobs root turmeric (peeled)
• 1 tbsp chopped peppermint leaves (fresh)
• 1/2 tsp ginger powder
• 10 whole pitted dates
• 1/2 cup hemp seeds
• 3 cups unsweetened almond milk

Directions

Simply combine all ingredients into your blender and blend until smooth and consistent. Pour and enjoy!

Hot Apple Cider with Ginger

Apple cider is a staple winter holiday drink, and its cozy vibes are enhanced even more when it’s enjoyed warm! Lemon zest and fresh ginger in addition to the usual warming spices amp up this wintertime classic. Ginger promotes digestion benefits, making this the perfect drink to enjoy after a large holiday meal to settle your stomach while relishing the warmth and coziness of the season.

Ingredients

• 1 lemon, scrubbed, plus slices for serving
• 4 cups apple cider
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 8 whole cloves
• 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled, and thinly sliced

Directions

Using a vegetable peeler, peel lemon zest in long strips (avoiding the white pith). Squeeze 2 tablespoons lemon juice.

In a medium pot, combine cider, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and lemon zest. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer; cover and cook 10 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand 10 minutes. Add lemon juice and strain; discard solids. Serve warm, with lemon slices. Enjoy!

Golden Milk with Saffron

Saffron is a warming spice that has been traditionally used for its digestion-aiding and gut health benefits. The saffron and turmeric in this recipe work together to promote benefits for the gut and inflammatory response. This is the perfect warm and nourishing drink to enjoy after holiday dinners with dessert or while winding down for the evening. It will have you feeling the cozy holiday spirit!

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk of choice (plant-based or dairy)
• Pinch of saffron threads
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• Pinch of black pepper
• 1 tsp of ginger
• Sweetener of choice, to taste (honey or maple syrup work well)

Directions

1. Warm milk on low heat.
2. Add in turmeric, saffron threads, black pepper, and ginger, continuously stirring until all spices blend.
3. Sweeten to taste, then strain into mug.
4. Enjoy this warm and nourishing holiday drink!

Aid Your Digestion this Holiday Season

While it is normal and okay to put less emphasis on diet, nutrition, and wellness goals during the busy and festive holiday season, you still don’t want to deal with feelings of discomfort from overeating or overindulging!

So, before or after you have a holiday gathering coming up where the food will be plentiful, or before you reach for the holiday cookies and snacks for family movie night, prepare one of these digestion-supporting drinks to keep yourself feeling good. Holidays are a time for joy and connection with loved ones, and what better way to feel the spirit of the season than with tasty holiday recipes—that will still have you feeling your best!