Six Tips to Add Color & Balance to your Diet

There is one thing that almost all scientists, nutritionists, and health experts agree on: eating more fruits and vegetables is a good thing, reducing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, and even body weight and inflammation! I explain how to include the different colors of vegetables to balance your chakras in The Chakra Energy Diet.

But, what is keeping you from “eating more fruits and vegetables?” We often fall short of the recommended 9-13 servings per day. It could be lack of motivation, or an inability to find creative ways to include fruits and vegetables in our meals.

Whatever the reasons may be, my colleague, Dr. Deanna Minich, author of Whole Detox, offers these six easy ways to boost your intake of fruits and vegetables and reap the amazing health benefits:

Vote for variety: Eating different fruits and vegetables on a regular basis will provide a broad array of different phytonutrients for a spectrum of functions in the body. Every three days, make sure you are rotating your plant foods. Doing so will also help to reduce food intolerances and allergies, prevent food ruts, and allow you to get the full complement of many nutrients.

Choose plants to save your money and health: A recent study found that older adults who spent their money on fruits and vegetables had significantly fewer hospital days and total medical costs, whereas those who spent their money on animal-derived foods had a higher number of hospital days and costs, as well as total medical costs. When shopping in your local grocery store or market, give yourself time to enjoy and explore the fruit and vegetable section. Engage your senses, and allow yourself to indulge in the beauty of the spectrum of fruits and vegetables in your cart. Allow your meals to be inspired by the rainbow of plant-based food, instead of plastic-wrapped meats or neon-colored junk food.

Go beyond fruits and vegetables to fill the gap: Phytonutrients, the compounds that give plants their colors and provide many health benefits, are found in more than fruits and veggies. If you can, broaden your horizon to other plant foods like nuts, seeds, non-gluten whole grains, sprouted legumes, herbs, and spices.

Eat wisely: Choose your fruits and vegetables wisely! Some foods are chock-full of health-boosting phytonutrients, which have multiple effects and functions in the body. For example, turmeric has been documented to have dozens of healing actions! Try including some of the following phytonutrient superstars in your meal:

Start your day with a smoothie for weight-loss benefits: If you are concerned with getting or staying slender, you’ll want to be sure you are eating enough plant foods. In one study, it was demonstrated that overweight adults eat less phytonutrients, and in a recent study from this month, phytochemical-rich foods were shown to be associated with lower body mass index, waist circumference, and adiposity (fatness).

One great way to pack in the fruits and vegetables (and keep the weight off!) is to start your day with a rainbow smoothie! Here’s one of my favorite recipes:

Sunrise Smoothie:

– 1 small red apple, sliced (leave peel on)
– 1 small carrot, scrubbed and diced (with peel)
– 4 pink grapefruit sections
– 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– ½-inch piece fresh ginger, chopped
– 6 red raspberries
– ½ cup unsweetened coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal
– 1 scoop protein powder of your choice
– Water and ice as needed

Put all the liquid and whole food ingredients into a high-speed blender first, followed by the dry ingredients, then blend everything until a fluid consistency is reached. Add more water if needed. Drink immediately.

Harness happiness in your meals: There are now a handful of studies suggesting that eating fruits and vegetables is associated with one’s mood and behavior. One recent study found that eating fruits and vegetables led to increased happiness, life satisfaction, and well-being. To add an extra serving of happiness to your meals, practice gratitude while eating fruits and vegetables. Keep yourself aware of your food as you eat, and thankful for the chain of nature and people that brought the beautiful fruits and vegetables to your plate.

Dr. Deanna Minich’s next 21-day Whole Detox will run Oct. 1 – 28, 2016 – a great chance to reach your optimal level of health.

Namaste!
Becca Chopra, author of The Chakra Energy Diet, Chakra Secrets, Balance Your Chakras-Balance Your Life, and The Chakra Diaries

www.TheChakras.org