Eating the Rainbow

Okay, let’s talk color.

You might have heard that to keep a healthy diet a good tip is to eat the rainbow. This of course refers to whole foods and not the type of “food” made from sugar, dyes, and fillers...

It's an important rule to keep because each different color means that you are getting a different combination of nutrients. For example if you see the color orange or red you can assume that is a great source of vitamin C. If its antioxidants you’re looking for try foods with naturally darker pigments such as blueberries, black rice, or Molasses. If you’re like my sisters and I you would have low iron, and while you can turn to supplements or red meat, one of the best sources of iron comes from green foods! Foods like Pumpkin seeds, Spinach, Spirulina, and Swiss chard are great examples of this.

Adding color doesn’t just stop at nutrients though, it continues with taste as well as taking pleasure in eating a meal. By adding color as well as texture both your eyes and your taste buds will be more satisfied with the healthy food you are consuming!

These are only a few of the many benefits of switching up your diet and adding a little color. Make sure to challenge yourself to purchase as many colors as possible with your next stop to the grocers!

SIDE NOTE: If you have a hard time going to the grocery store and ignoring all the junk food try doing most of your grocery shopping at your local farm stand! You get the opportunity to shop outdoors and avoid all the temptations in a grocery store. Plus most fruits and vegetables at a farm stand are usually all in season, meaning better taste and more nutrients!

Wherever you do end up, have some fun, try something new and add a little color!

Pssst…Here’s a recipe I whipped up after an inspirational trip to the Farm Stand!  

Ingredients

            Salad

·         1 head of Romaine

·         Small Handful of Sprouts

·         5 Radishes – chopped

·         ½ cucumber

·         1 large apple

·         ¼ cup pumpkin seeds

Dressing

·         Organic Tahini

·         ½ lemon

·         2-3 TBS Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar (any brand with the mother)

·         Salt and Pepper

Directions

Chop up all your veggies and throw into a bowl.

Mix the Tahini, lemon, Apple Cider Vinegar, salt and pepper together and combine with chopped veggies.

Top with pumpkin seeds and set out for you and your loved ones to enjoy!