Breaking Out of a Food Rut with Beets & Peaches

I’ll admit—sometimes I get a little bored with food. We’ve all been there: nothing sounds appealing, meals start tasting the same, and eating feels more like routine than enjoyment. Since I aim to make non-starchy vegetables the foundation of my meals, I sometimes fall into a rut when I rely on the same veggies day after day.

That’s when I like to shake things up by picking up a new vegetable I don’t usually buy. Recently, while shopping at Costco, I spotted a box of pre-cooked organic beets in the refrigerated section. They were a pleasant surprise—delicious, ready to eat, and with absolutely no added ingredients. No preservatives, no salt—just 100% pure beets. And, beets are a non starchy vegetable? Check!

This morning, when my usual salad was feeling a little “blah,” I remembered the beets. I diced them up and tossed them on top of my greens, along with some of Colorado’s famous Palisade peaches, fresh tomatoes, onions, a sprinkle of shredded parmesan, and a boiled egg. The beets and peaches completely transformed the salad—bright, flavorful, and full of contrast.

Why Beets Deserve a Spot on Your Plate

Beets aren’t just tasty—they’re a nutritional powerhouse:

• Rich in nitrates that convert to nitric oxide, which relaxes and widens blood vessels—helping to lower blood pressure and improve circulation.
• High in fiber, supporting healthy digestion and satiety.
• Packed with antioxidants that reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage.
• A great source of essential vitamins and minerals, including manganese, potassium, iron, folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin C.

Overall, beets are an incredible addition to a diabetic-friendly diet. They’re versatile, nutrient-rich, and bring a refreshing new flavor to everyday meals. Next time your plate feels a little boring, try tossing in some beets—you might just find your new favorite combo!