A rainbow of possibility

by Sarah Coleman

With all the amazing varieties and colors of food out there, try and eat the rainbow. That’s right. Eat a wide assortment of food in as many different colors as you can. Pretty soon, you will see the benefits of eating these vibrant foods. Here are just a few.

Red

An apple a day keeps the doctor away can be a very true statement. Many red fruits and veggies are loaded with powerful, healthy antioxidants such as lycopene and anthocyanin. Those are known for fighting heart disease and cancer to decrease the risk of stroke. Try raspberries, beets or tomatoes tossed in your lunchtime salad.

Orange and Yellow

Orange and yellow fruits and veggies are full of beta carotene which is not only good for eye health it can also delay cognitive aging and protect skin from sun damage. These foods are also high in Vitamin A and C. Try sweet potatoes, carrots, or peppers to change it up for an afternoon snack by roasting those, boiling or sautéing.

Green

Green foods support most bodily functions, boost energy levels and eliminate toxins such as heavy metals, which can weaken our tissues and lead to disease over time. Also green foods high in antioxidant-rich chlorella, help reduce high blood pressure, lower LDL or “bad cholesterol” and accelerate wound healing. Add a few more handfuls of kale, spinach or grapes to your morning smoothie.

Blue and Purple

Blue and purple foods are known for keeping the eyes and urinary tract healthy and lowering the risk of gum disease and stomach ulcers. Try healthy coleslaw for this weekend’s BBQ with purple cabbage, raisins, onions and blueberries.

“Try to be the rainbow in someone else’s cloud.”

Make someone smile a little bigger. Hug a little longer. Send a handwritten thank you note. Make a meal (full of rainbow colors) for a friend having a tough time.

“You can’t have a rainbow without a little rain.”

We need the rain for hydration, greener pastures, cleansing because remember, with every down comes an up! Celebrate the ups by cherishing the rainbows in your life. Those may be presented where you least expect it.

“Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue and the dreams that you dream to dream really do come true.”

Keep dreaming. Dream big. Share your dreams with those you love. My dreams include polka dotted fruits and veggies. Now that would be heaven.

“Fireworks are really excited rainbows.”

Enjoy colorful fireworks anytime of year and eat your fruits and veggies. And in case you need one more fantastic rainbow reference, don’t be shy and raise up the rainbow flag. United we stand!