Life can get incredibly busy sometimes, no matter what time of year. When your schedule is packed, it can feel nearly impossible to find time to prepare balanced Ayurvedic meals. Ironically, the busiest times are likely when you need these balanced meals the most! Delicious, properly-spiced, cooked meals help to balance the Doshas and create harmony in your mind and body no matter how many things you have to accomplish in a day.
While there isn't always time to make a full Ayurvedic spread, there are some time-saving hacks that can help you and your loved ones eat well on the go.
1. Muffins for Breakfast
It's best to avoid dried cereal because it's Vata-aggravating, and hot cereal can take more time than you have. But here's a quick solution: bake a nourishing batch of muffins every few days and eat those them on super busy mornings! Spread ghee on them for an especially nourishing breakfast.
2. Use A Crock-Pot or Rice Cooker
Crock-Pots are an essential asset in any Ayurvedic kitchen. It cooks food overnight or while you're at work without burning. Just plug it in with all of the ingredients and go about your day, beans, rice and all. Veggie stews cook particularly well in Crock-Pots and make nutritious one-pot meals, which we explain later on in this post.
3. Roast Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a multi-tasker’s dream! Just stick them in the oven while you’re meditating or walking the dogs or practicing Yoga or getting your family ready. It takes about 45 minutes total to roast most vegetables, though some take less time than that. Broccoli or asparagus can be steamed in minutes however! So if you're really in a rush, pop those into a pan. Ayurveda tip: Cut your vegetables right before you cook them so you can the ultimate amount of nutrients possible. Once they're cut, the vitamins start to dissipate immediately.
4. Fresh Pasta
Pasta cooks quickly and is nice and filling! Mix pasta with sautéed veggies and you've got an Ayurvedic meal. Sprinkle olive oil and fresh herbs and add tofu, cheese or nuts for a more substantial pasta dish. Try and get fresh and organic pasta, versus the boxed variety that may leave you feeling hungry soon after you eat it.
5. Cook One-Pot Meals
Casseroles, kitchari and soups in a crock-pot or a rice cooker can be put together in the kitchen and then left to cook while you go about your day. Use that time to check more off of your to-do list. It's a great feeling to be in your house and suddenly, it smells like spices and delicious vegetables cooking!
Disclaimer
All views and information shared here is only for the sharing of Ayurvedic knowledge. Please do not try or prescribe or take any of the remedies and suggestions here without talking to your regular, qualified doctor. Kottakkal Ayurveda and no other person associated with Kottakkal is responsible for unwanted side-effects or contraindications in your health.