Pick a Color and Make Meals Healthier
By Tom Herrin
It may not seem like a big concern for some, but the way a meal appears -- how pleasing it is to the eye -- may have more to do with its healthiness than one would think. Those plain meals of the past in which there was an abundance of white and brown may have had some good things but missed others. Proteins and starches are not quite enough to help the body to do its best. Even though it may seem oversimplified, adding more color to meals can enhance its potential to provide the best for health. There is no magic formula except to have as much variety as possible.
Blue Foods Can Do Wonders
Years ago, it didn't seem that there was much information out as to the benefits of blue, or purple, foods. In the past few years, they seem to be touted as almost miracle foods. They do have some pretty good properties that are useful. They are considered a good source of antioxidants which may help to rid the body of many unwanted free radicals. They may help prevent inflammation, boost memory, and help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's. Some of these foods are blueberries, figs, purple cabbage, eggplant, and plums.
Yellow Foods Are a Little Unique
Many of the yellow, or orange, foods have a very unique flavor. At one time, it seemed as if many people served them as a substitute for greens. They are something all to themselves. Many of them are popular as foods that may be grown at home in a garden. Some of them are believed to be good for the eyes, protect the skin, and reduce the risk of some heart diseases. Some are thought of as truly American foods. A few on this list are yellow squash, sweet potatoes, lemons, cantaloupes, and carrots.
Sharpen Your Eye for Color
If you want to make it easy on yourself, design any kind of meal you want by making it as colorful as possible. Chances are that you will have a pretty healthy one without too much effort. We enjoy making it a family project by allowing each of the kids to pick a color and find a food that fits it. This may help by having each of them feel more personal ownership and be more willing to try a greater variety of foods. What a great way to encourage a broader range of foods on their personal menu.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Kennesaw, Ga.