Rainbow Meals May Be Best
By Tom Herrin
Meat, potatoes, gravy, and bread have made up staples of meals for lots of people for many decades. They were often considered by some to be the basis of a really good meal. For some, it was the sign of providing a good living for families. While it has its merit, for those wanting to do more with making their meals healthier, adding a variety of colors can be the simplest way. There is no magic formula, but when people include more foods of color, the chances are that they are getting a good deal of diverse things in the foods they consume.
Blue Foods May Have a Big Impact
For many years, having something blue on a plate was a real treat. It just didn't happen everyday. A few years ago, they began to get more attention. These blue, or maybe purple, foods can pack a real punch. They are thought to be one of the best sources of antioxidants. They also cut the risk of developing Alzheimer's, boost memory, and keep down inflammation. Some of these foods are blueberries, purple cabbage, eggplant, figs, and plums. It is a reasonably good mix.
Reds Stand out
Anytime people see red, it tends to catch their attention. It seems to be a natural reaction to the color. Even when it is in a dish, there may be something that sets it apart from others. Other than tomatoes, red is not seen that frequently in many meals. The red foods have a lot to offer on their own. Some are believed to reduce risks of diabetes, improve skin, and decrease some heart disease. The foods are all over the place. They include red peppers, beets, strawberries, cherries, and cranberries. Many of them are great in salads or main dishes.
How Many Colors Can You Use?
It can be kind of fun to see just how many colors you can use in a meal. We have discovered that when we include more colors, we end up with some interesting flavors. They are far beyond anything we would have thought of or tried before. As we have learned more about their benefits, it has been a fun challenge. Allowing different members of the family to choose which colors to use can be a good way to get everyone involved. When this happens, they may be more likely to feel that they have a personal interest and be willing to try more things.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Colorado Springs, Colo.