Colorful Options for a Healthy Dinner
If you are looking for a quick and easy way to tell whether your dinner is healthy, there is a simple trick you can use. One of the easiest ways to tell: Look at your plate for lots of color.
Color doesn’t always indicate health (Skittle, anyone?), but if used appropriately adding color can help you make sure your dinners are packed full of nutrients, vitamins, and other healthy bits. Check out these great foods that can add a little color...and a little health...to your daily dinner menu.
Orange
Orange foods can bring a healthy boost to your eyes. Orange foods contain beta carotene, which is essential for eye health, but can also be beneficial in other bodily functions, like the immune system. Adding orange foods can be easy and delicious. Look to foods like sweet potatoes, baby carrots, and squash.
Green
This is one color that should definitely be on your table. Green foods almost always scream health, and depending on the food, it can bring health benefits of many different natures. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce can bring a low cal option with an energy boost, a way to make you feel full, and an excellent digestive tool. Other green foods like green beans, sweet peas, and broccoli bring a host of vitamins. The best part about green foods is that your options are seemingly endless. Along with those listed above, you can also enjoy cucumber, zucchini, asparagus, and many others.
Yellow
Adding yellow means adding some flavor! Yellow foods are often sweet while being healthy at the same time. Along with a host of vitamins, yellow foods might also provide a way to feel full. Many yellow foods are full of either starch or fiber, both of which can help you feel fuller longer. Look to healthy options like golden potatoes, corn, lemon, banana, and summer squash.
Red
Red foods can bring a wide choice in vitamins, and they can also bring a wide variety of flavors. Sweet, salty, and spicy are just 3 choices for red foods. To add red to the table, reach for tomatoes, red potatoes, bell peppers, radishes, and a wide variety of spicy peppers.
While it’s not a foolproof method every time, adding color can be a great way to make sure your dinner table is stocked full of healthy choices. Use these tips and these foods to keep your table and your body healthy and happy for years to come.
Image Credit:
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Mike Licht