Did you know that EVERY COLOR of the foods we eat in nature carries a code that unlocks levels of your health? Your body needs a variety of essential nutrients to feed specific organs, functions, and energy systems that give your brain, body, and beauty life. When you hear sayings like “eat the rainbow” or “eat vibrantly” to some that may be a bag of Skittles but at Whole Body Beautiful we take that to heart for your health. When you see our recipes, food choices, or ingredients on social media, we’re not just trying to make your plate look pretty, we are making sure that your plate of food is wholesome, delicious, energizing, and giving you everything you need to thrive!
THE YELLOW BAG OF CHIPS OR THE YELLOW BANANA? Which do you think your body would actually benefit from?
Ok, I know this may seem simplistic and obvious but it’s there to make you take stock of what you’re putting into your body. The nourishment in a yellow bag of chips is next to nothing compared to a yellow banana. Not only have I seen the yellow bag of chips cause inflammation, weight gain and constant hunger due to the empty calories, but the processing alone can send your body into a tailspin. A yellow banana on the other hand, can improve blood sugar levels, keep you satiated and feeling full, is great for gut and digestive health and most of all is full of essential nutrients your body can actually use.
You see, your brain will know what to do with that banana, trust me. It will immediately put those nutrients to work - efficiently. Whereas, with a bag of chips, your brain will have to study and look up the paragraph of ingredients and try to figure out how to best use those things it cannot pronounce and are foreign in nature. In the long run that stuff can really hurt your health!
When your eyes see a colorful plate of whole foods, your brain takes in so much information. It activates your taste buds anticipating a range of flavors, textures, and most of all nutrients. This sensory experience not only makes eating more enjoyable but also sends signals to your body that it's about to receive the full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, fiber, adaptogens, and so much more. Colors like that nourish everything in your entire body and over time it adapts accordingly. (Hopefully in the best way, if you’re doing it right!)
We all know what it’s like when someone we love experiences a major health crisis that could have been prevented with nutrition that works with your health rather than against it. Before that becomes a topic in our conversation, let’s explore the colors of real food and match them to your health needs. I promise you’ll think twice before reaching for the yellow bag of chips or the red wrapped candy bar when you see what these colors can do for you!
1. RED:
WHY IT’S VITAL FOR YOUR HEALTH: Red fruits and vegetables are not only visually appealing but they are packed with powerful antioxidants like lycopene and anthocyanins. These antioxidants help to neutralize harmful free radicals in your body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain cancers. Additionally, they promote healthy aging by protecting your cells from damage.
WHEN YOUR BRAIN SEES RED: Red foods excite your taste buds, increase your appetite, and stimulate energy.
OUR FAVORITE RED FOODS: Tomatoes, red bell peppers, strawberries, watermelon, cherries, raspberries, beets, pomegranates.
2. ORANGE AND YELLOW:
WHY IT’S VITAL TO YOUR HEALTH: The vibrant colors of orange and yellow signify beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. This essential nutrient is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting skin health. Additionally, beta-carotene acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting your cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.
WHEN YOUR BRAIN SEES ORANGE AND YELLOW: Orange and yellow foods evoke happiness, satisfaction and energizes your whole body.
OUR FAVORITE ORANGE AND YELLOW FOODS: Carrots, sweet potatoes, oranges, mangoes, butternut squash, pumpkin, apricots, yellow bell peppers, papaya.
3. GREEN:
WHY IT’S VITAL TO YOUR HEALTH: Green foods are synonymous with vitality and health. “Eat your greens”, is not an old wives’ tale. Greens are rich in chlorophyll, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for various bodily functions. Chlorophyll helps to detoxify your body, while fiber supports healthy digestion and regulates blood sugar levels. Additionally, the vitamins and minerals found in green foods contribute to strong bones, a robust immune system, and glowing skin.
WHEN YOUR BRAIN SEES GREEN: Greens bring about a sense of serenity, balance, joy, and creates natural, wholesome energy.
OUR FAVORITE GREEN FOODS: Spinach, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green peas, avocado, kiwi, green apples, cucumber.
4. BLUE AND PURPLE:|
WHY IT’S VITAL TO YOUR HEALTH: Blue and purple foods are not only visually beautiful, but they are also packed with potent antioxidants called anthocyanins. These antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline. They support brain health, improve cognitive function, and promote longevity.
WHEN YOUR BRAIN SEES BLUE AND PURPLE: Blue and purple bring about a sense of relaxation, a healthy decrease in appetite and peace, calm, and serenity.
OUR FAVORITE BLUE AND PURPLE FOODS: Blueberries, blackberries, grapes, plums, eggplant, purple cabbage, purple potatoes, figs.
5. WHITE AND TAN:
WHY IT’S VITAL TO YOUR HEALTH: While they may not be as colorful as other fruits and vegetables, believe it or not, white and tan foods offer BIG health benefits. They contain unique compounds such as allicin in garlic and quercetin in onions, which have potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Additionally, white and tan foods provide essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C, which support immune function, bone health, and cardiovascular health.
WHEN YOUR BRAIN SEES WHITE AND TAN: These colors give you a sense of calm. It also evokes comfort, purity and hope.
OUR FAVORITE WHITE AND TAN FOODS: Garlic, onions, cauliflower, mushrooms, potatoes, bananas, jicama, parsnips.
The next time you’re perusing the produce aisle, local farmers market, or planning your meals, remember to embrace the beauty of eating colorfully. Think of all the ways you can pack in the most nutrients in one bite so your body and brain will never have to worry about colorful wrappers with empty calories.
When you savor the full spectrum of what nature has to offer, you care for your whole body in a way that gives it life - FOR LIFE!
