If you had your own land to garden or farm any food, what food would it be? I bet you can guess my answer. I love these beautiful, magical roots! They are so often the theme of my Instagram stories, that my client today asked me if I just eat beets for every meal. Truth be told, he's not far off. I began my beet addiction primarily because beets are one of the most nourishing vegetables available. And since I eat a plant-based diet, I am always looking for foods that support and nourish my body and bring depth to my meals. With a sweet and earthy scent and flavor, a firm but juicy texture, and bold and vibrant colors, beets bring delight to all the senses and nourish the body deeply. I choose to incorporate these simple roots into my diet on a (nearly) daily basis is because they bring me delight and joy! Part of that joy comes from the experience I have when eating them, which could be said about many foods (some good for the body, some bad). The other part is that I know the benefits that beets can produce for my health when I eat them. Knowledge is powerful, and the more I know about the food I eat, the more informed I can be about how that food will impact my meal, my health and my life experiences.
In eastern philosophies, digestion is not simply defined by the food we eat and the way our bodies absorb the nutrients from that food. Digestion also relates to the ways in which we take in information and experiences. In order to support healthy digestion, it is particularly important that the food being consumed is appealing to the senses and the environment in which it is consumed is positive and peaceful. One of my favorite parts about eating is being present in preparing each meal. I make a practice of selecting the foods, spices and herbs, and choosing to create an environment in which I can consume them with full attention. Our internal systems are informed by the senses. Seeing, smelling, and tasting our food influences the way our bodies will receive that which we put in. On another level of digestion, any deep attachments to experiences that cannot be easily be processed will cause the body to hold on too, affecting how food is processed and toxins and waste are eliminated through the digestive system.
Considering the atmosphere we create around our meals is just as important as considering what we put on the plate. In addition, healthy digestion requires not only a balanced consumption of food, but a conscious connection to how we live our lives away from the dinner table. In this way, our food and our meals are a reflection of how we choose to be in our lives.
A simple practice in creating harmony in life and digestion: honor the food you eat and the way you prepare it. Set aside time to prepare your meals, think about what you want to prepare, and have fun with your food and the act of preparing it! Always be willing to try new things, you never know what new experiences might bring you delight. And of course, keep those good old favorites around to honor the journey you have been on thus far! Finally, share the experiences you have with others as food is also deeply tied to the way in which we connect on a social level, which is always in need of balance and harmony!
A few things that Beets are great for that I want to share with you!*
Ayurvedic taste is Sweet (grounding and nourishing for the body)
Thermal quality is cool to neutral (good to be eaten any time of year)
Beets are nourishing to the heart and cardiovascular system: improves circulation, strengthens heart, treats anemia
Beet greens/beet top tea are a strong detoxifier: purifies blood, detoxifies liver
Beets promote hormonal balance and healthy menstruation in women
Beets help moisten the digestive tract and remove congestion and dryness, helping with constipation, hemorrhoids and related conditions
Beets have been shown to help treat nervousness, restlessness and irritability
*Information taken from The Tao of Nutrition (Ni & McNease, 2012) and Healing with Whole Foods (Pitchford, 2002)