Eating the colors of the rainbow

By Lina Neubert, July 2021

We all know that eating fruits and vegetables is important, but did you know that every color of a fruit or vegetable has different qualities or nutrients that your body needs? For example orange fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C, which is good for your vision, skin and blood vessels. Red vegetables and fruits are good for your lungs and heart and could prevent diabetes or heart diseases.

Since every color has different qualities, it is important to eat?every color of the rainbow?to receive all the vitamins and health benefits. The more fruits and vegetables you eat the more energy and vitality you will have to pursue your personal and professional goals.

Research in nutrition states that four and half cups (approximately 1kg) of all color fruits and vegetables a day is what is needed for optimal health.?

In our busy lives it’s easy to go for unhealthy food, especially when under stress, but it’s important to cultivate habits that can bring us long lasting benefits.?Here are some simple tips that can help you achieve eating healthier and getting all your nutrients.

• Eat fruits and vegetables in smaller portions at each meal (e.g., one fruit and one vegetable for breakfast)
• Never worry about eating too many fruits and vegetables as your diet should be composed of 70% different colored fruits and veggies
• Don’t peel food like apples, peaches and eggplants because the most important nutrients are in the skin
• Plan your meals before going food shopping for the week
• Keep fruit on the counter top so its a visual reminder
• Cut up fruits and vegetables every few days so they’re ready for when you need them for a salad or snack
• If you can’t find fresh seasonal food, frozen fruits and vegetables are good too
• In between meals, eat fruits instead of cookies, chips, pretzels, etc…

#core #energy #workplacewellbeing #health #humanperformance #resilience #physicalresilience

Written by Lina Neubert, as part of her professional orientation program at Human Edge, July 2021