But today is not about intentional movement. It’s something you do every day. So therefore, it’s not about changing anything. It’s about adding something with a twist.

I’m sure you’re wondering what it is. So why wait. It’s time to taste the rainbow.

And no! It’s not Skittles; those sweet little candies.

The rainbow is fruits and vegetables.; the one simple change that can improve your health.

Fruits are fun and yummy to eat. They are so sweet. Adding in fruits aren’t that challenging to add into your diet. But you have to be intentional.

Now vegetables are a different story. Don’t get me wrong. Vegetables are yummy too. But there are some you just don’t like for whatever reason.

And I don’t know about you, but I grew up eating vegetables with lunch and dinner.

Now the American Heart Association recommends eating eight or more fruits and vegetables a day. That’s about 4 1/2 cups a day.

Woah! That’s a lot to eat. How many do you think you eat every day?

If you are ready to feel better in your skin, it’s time to eat the rainbow.

The K.I.S.S. ~ Eat the rainbow!

Fruits and vegetables are full of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. And until you start eating them, you don’t know what you are missing.

So if we’re going to eat the rainbow, it’s time to go to art class and understand the power of the colors.

RED
Red fruits and vegetables are colored by a natural plant pigment called lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce the risk of cancer and keep our heart healthy.

PURPLE /BLUE
The plant pigment anthocyanin is what gives blue/purple fruits and vegetables their distinctive color. Anthocyanin also has antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage and can help reduce the risk of cancer, stroke, and heart disease.

ORANGE/YELLOW
Carotenoids give this group their vibrant color. A well-known carotenoid called Betacarotene is found in sweet potatoes, pumpkins and carrots. It is converted to vitamin A, which helps maintain healthy mucous membranes and healthy eyes. Another carotenoid called lutein is stored in the eye and has been found to prevent cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, which can lead to blindness.

GREEN
Green vegetables contain a range of phytochemicals including carotenoids, indoles and saponins, all of which have anti-cancer properties. Leafy greens (i.e., spinach, broccoli, etc.) are excellent sources of folate.

BROWN/WHITE
White fruits and vegetables contain a range of health-promoting phytochemicals such as allicin (found in garlic) which is known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. Some members of the white group, such as bananas and potatoes, are also a good source of potassium.

This is a lot to take in. However, I don’t want you to let too much information stress you out or overthink eating healthy.

One simple change is to add in fruits and vegetables where you don’t normally eat them. I eat vegetables at breakfast. And not spinach or kale in a smoothie. I cook up fresh green beans, peppers, sometimes zucchini and onions in olive oil. Then, add them to my eggs and that’s an incredible breakfast.

Healthy living can be fun and convenient. You just have to make a few simple changes. And this is a colorful one!