Choose Your Rainbow
Have you ever been told to “eat the rainbow”? Do you know what that means? Are you doing it? Eating the rainbow doesn’t mean that you should be eating multi-colored M&Ms or gummy bears or anything that is artificially colored to match the rainbow. It means that we should be eating fruits and vegetables in every color of the rainbow.
What Does It Really Mean?
Each color represents different nutrients that help our bodies maintain optimal health. Following the mnemonic we all learned to remember the colors in the rainbow ROY G BIV, let’s look at how each of the colors supports our good health:
RED
- contains lycopene and anthocyanins which is what makes them so red
- protects against certain cancers
- reduces risk of diabetes
- reduces risk of cardiovascular disease
- improves skin quality
- supports eye health
- helps neutralize the effect of free radicals
ORANGE and YELLOW
- loaded with carotenoids giving them their sunny color
- contains vitamins and fiber
- protects skin against sun and pollution damage
- supports immune function
- supports eye health
- reduces risk of certain cancers
- enhances cardiovascular health
- supports joint health
GREEN
- filled with antioxidant loaded chlorophyll, which makes them green
- loaded with phytonutrients
- lots of fiber
- aids in healing tissue
- detoxification
- supports and increases digestive enzymes
- restores energy
- increases vitality
- supports immune function
- reduces risk of certain cancers
BLUE/INDIGO and VIOLET
- lots of anthocyanins and resveratrol gives them the dark color
- anti-aging properties
- anti-inflammatory
- disease prevention
- promotes longevity
- reduces Alzheimer’s risk
- memory booster
- reduces cellular damage
- reduces cancer risk
- slows cancer growth
Beyond the rainbow, there are other fruits and vegetables that are beneficial to our good health. Unfortunately, french fries do NOT fall into this category so set that idea free. Here are the other colors that help us remain healthy:
WHITE
- contains anthoxanthins
- contains phytonutrients allicin and quercetin
- mitigates risk of certain cancers
- strengthens bones
- reduces risk of some cardiovascular diseases
- aids in lowering cholesterol
- reduces inflammation
- aids in hormone balancing
By incorporating all different colors of fruits and vegetables into your diet as often as possible, you will go a long way toward supporting your good health.
“Someday we’ll find it, the rainbow connection, the lovers the dreamers and me” – Kermit the Frog
Do You Want Help?
Would you like to have more energy, lose weight, sleep better, and balance your hormones? I am launching a 5 week Sugar Detox Program beginning February 3rd.
This program is open to anyone who:
- would like to get control of their sugar cravings
- feel better
- have an abundance of energy
- and an overall increase in well-being.
Aren’t you tired of feeling bloated and lethargic?
If you continue to follow the path you’re on, where will it lead you in six months? a year? Isn’t it time to take a different approach?
What you have done in the past hasn’t worked or at least has not stuck. I can help you change that. Click here for a free consultation. We’ll discuss your challenges and your goals for the coming year and see if we’re a good fit. You have nothing to lose except those nasty cravings.
I help women living with or at risk for developing heart disease or other chronic illness that we can manage through lifestyle and nutrition changes. Or maybe you’re on the verge of developing heart disease, or diabetes, or another lifestyle related condition. If so, let’s chat. For a free consultation with me, click here.
I eat the rainbow! I went cold turkey on no added sugars back in 2018 when I was diagnosed with non alcoholic fatty liver disease. Within a few months just by changing my diet my liver was healthy. 4 years later I’m still on my healthy eating plan.
Isn’t it amazing how the human body can heal when given the right food? Good for you for taking responsibility for your own healing.
Too bad M&Ms don’t count 😉
I supplement my fruit and veggie intake with Juice Plus, and I think it helps.
As long as it isn’t sweetened with anything but the fruit or veggies and contains no artificial ingredients, it probably doesn’t hurt.
I hate to admit it but no, I am not because I don’t like any Fruit at all, but I do like Vegetables. While my husband likes Fruit but not may Vegetables and my son will eat a little Fruit and a few Vegetables but not as many as he should. Looks like it’s time to change what we eat….
Small incremental changes make a difference and don’t have to be painful.