Detoxes and cleanses have become buzz words for the health conscious. These types of diets usually call for the consumption of primarily extractive foods — those with primarily the bitter, pungent, and astringent tastes. Think things like kale, spinach, and broccoli. Eating too much extractive food will increase Vata dosha, which can bring uncomfortable symptoms like constipation, dryness, anxiety, and the inability to focus and get things done.

For a balanced mind, body and lifestyle it is vital to enjoy not only extractive foods, but also augmenting foods that nourish, build, and sustain our tissues. I love Hale Pule's idea of a 60:40 balanced bowl. That’s 60% augmenting food to maintain the body and 40% extractive foods for drawing things from the body.

Because wholegrains are sweet and grounding, they are perfect at keeping Vata dosha pacified. It is not only enjoyable to include a baked grain good, it is also very satisfying, so you will not want to reach for a snack in between meals.   

These biscuits are a perfect savoury addition to any meal. They provide part of the augmenting portion of a balanced bowl.