A Rainbow Plate: Healthy eating through fruits and veggies

The vibrant colors of a rainbow in the sky always catch our attention after the rain nourishes the earth. We can make healthy choices and see a rainbow of color every day on our plates.

In fact, we should make it a goal to fill half of our plates with a spectrum of dark green, red, orange, purple and white from both fruits and vegetables. Variety is the key to getting a healthy daily balance of the vital nutrients found in fruits and vegetables.

Try to buy fresh whole fruits and vegetables in season. They will be at their peak in flavor and lowest in price. Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables can be healthy choices, too.

Reach for low sodium canned vegetables or canned fruits packed in their own juice or water. Avoid frozen vegetables with sauces, frozen fruits with added sugar and canned fruits packed in heavy syrup.

Pack more produce into your day with these helpful tips:
• snack smart & Keep fruits and vegetables cut in your refrigerator for quick snacks.
• Keep a bowl of fruit on your counter
• Choose recipes that have vegetables or fruit as the main ingredient
• Sprinkle a handful of blueberries or strawberries on your oatmeal or cereal
• Add apple chunks, pineapple, grapes, or raisins to tuna or chicken salad
• Keep ready-to-eat packaged fresh vegetables handy to cut down on preparation time
• Sauté red peppers, tomatoes, or spinach into your scrambled eggs
• Make a smoothie with plain low-fat yogurt and your favorite frozen fruits

The sky is the limit when you choose to create a rainbow of color on your plate. Eat your rainbow today!

In Good Health,
Michelle Oubre