It’s no coincidence that kale, spinach and broccoli offer the body similar nutrients that protect cardiovascular health while oranges, kumquats, carrots, and pumpkins contain antioxidants like vitamin C and beta carotene. Vibrant fruits and veggies lure us to enjoy a rainbow of nutritional support.

The Harvard School of Public Health and the USDA both recommend eating a variety of fruits and vegetables as they all have unique nutritional offerings that, in combination, maintain our health.

Keep the rainbow rule in mind when grocery shopping and preparing meals to nourish and fuel yourself properly. Deep greens, refreshing yellows, vibrant oranges and juicy reds are all key. I find that having a gorgeous array of produce on hand also inspires me to fill half of my plate with fruits and vegetables during each meal. This way it's easy to meet the recommended 4.5 cups of fruits and veggies each day, plus my snacks, salads and soups beg to be savored.

When I enjoy wilted spinach with a sprinkle of sesame seeds I feel connected to the soil, rich with water. When I bite into a juicy roasted tomato, I consider the sun that shone diligently on this fruit for hours each day as it ripened. And as I dig in to a hearty sweet potato, I consider the earth that cradled and fed its immense root system.

Invite the whole color spectrum to your pallet to find greater health, flavor and appreciation for the natural world.

Photo Credit: Patrick Feller

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