Written By: Tiera Gaines
Marketing Coordinator & Food Pantry Assistant
We’ve all heard the advice to “eat your fruits and vegetables,” but have you ever heard of eating a rainbow? Unlock the power of the nutrition rainbow! This colorful approach to eating emphasizes the importance of consuming a wide variety of fruits and vegetables across the color spectrum. Eating colorful foods is key to better health. But what exactly is the Nutrition Rainbow, and why should you prioritize incorporating it into your diet?
What Is The Nutrition Rainbow And How Do I Incorporate It Into My Diet?
Rainbow nutrition is the practice of eating a variety of fruits and vegetables in different colors. Eating a rainbow of colors ensures you are eating a variety of nutrients. Fruits and vegetables provide nutrients like vitamins and minerals that help our bodies perform at their best and may help prevent disease. To ensure you are eating the right amounts to give your body the nutrients it needs, aim to make half of your plate vegetables at mealtimes or follow the recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans for guidance on variety in vegetable intake!
Examples
Red/Orange: tomatoes, watermelon, red and orange peppers, carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, cherries, raspberries
Orange/Yellow: oranges, yellow squash, peaches, lemons, grapefruit, yellow peppers, spaghetti squash
Green: spinach, asparagus, kale, broccoli, romaine lettuce, brussels sprouts, green beans, kiwi, green grapes, cucumber
Blue/Purple: blueberries, blackberries, purple grapes, plums, beets, eggplant
Brown: whole grains, beans, lentils, peas, mushrooms
White: garlic, onions, potatoes, cauliflower
Tip: Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season because that is when they are at their nutritional peak and are less expensive.
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