This week’s blog is one in a two part series on food, color, mood and energy!
Part 1: The Color of Food
Have you ever noticed the color of the food you are eating? I mean, overall? If you had to take an average day, let’s say yesterday, what was the main color? What were the spectrum of colors you included in your food fuel yesterday? I ask because our food affects our moods, energy level and overall vitality. In our family, we did a lot of celebrating this weekend. On Saturday we celebrated with an extravagant lunch overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on the south coast of Boston with the great grandma (age 93) and the grandmas (they’d prefer I didn’t mention their ages). On Sunday, my crew treated me to a bountiful brunch, tennis with one of my girls and golf with my son followed by a meal cooked with love by my husband and son. My son also picked up chocolate peanut butter cups to share after our round of golf. Needless to say, the colors on my plate over the weekend were more of the deep chocolate brown variety. It was all decadent, delicious and fun but the festivities and the colors I chose left me feeling tired and foggy. Have you ever felt that way? These were not colors that nourished my mind, body and spirit (although the people and surroundings were!).
It is important to choose fuel for your body that creates optimum vitality, which creates vibrant living! This weekend was a catalyst for me to want to renew, revitalize and refresh my body, mind and spirit. I’m doing my bi-annual wellness and detox cleanse. It always helps me feel energized, enthusiastic and passionate about life after doing a cleanse! Experts recommend doing a cleanse at least two times a year. Some of my clients have shared with me after implementing the cleanse steps I recommend that “I feel great. I have more energy, feel less tired in the am and my clothes are baggy!” These are the natural results of cleansing and clearing out the debris that bogs your system down. Similar to taking time to clear out the clutter in other areas of your life, it is important to take care of your body and remove unwanted toxins accumulated from the chemicals in our environment and food. Creating a colorful spectrum of food on your plate can increase your energy, lower your risk of cancer and give you vibrant health! Choosing foods based on color can be an additional strategy to help bring your body, mind and spirit into harmonious balance. Just beginning to notice what colors make up your daily plate is the first step to designing your inspired life! It is amazing how fast and dramatic the results you can have when making small changes to the fuel you decide to put in your body.
Let’s take a look at the spectrum of color you can choose to put on your plate…
Green
We all know how important it is to include greens on our plates. Sometimes it can be challenging if you are looking for something other than a salad for lunch and dinner. I have begun to include as many green veggies and fruits as possible in the first meal of my day. That way I know that I am putting fuel in my body that will sustain me for the rest of the day. It also helps me be confident in knowing I will get in the many servings of green I hope to achieve. My day usually begins with a green smoothie or juice along with a chunky mix of avocado & egg. This power packed punch is a nutrient dense breakfast that will stave off hunger, elevate my mood and increase my energy. (Green Smoothie recipe: 1 organic cucumber, 1 green pear, 3 large romaine leaves, large slice of lemon & coconut water, ice, blend well)
Orange
I love carrots, orange peppers and pumpkin! These orange foods are high in beta-carotene and vitamin c that supports vision, healthy skin and a strong immune system. Including orange on your plate can make you feel healthy, see better and look good… why wouldn’t you chose the color orange for your plate?
Red
The red foods contain something called phytochemicals, like lycopene, that aid in heart health and reduce the risk of cancer. Take advantage of the summer season and the bounty of red ripe tomatoes and radishes!
Purple-Blue
The purple and blue family of foods is rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals. That means they diminish the risk of cancer, support mental clarity and contain chemicals that have an anti-aging effect. I always share with my detox participants that blueberries collagen promoting which means they help to decrease wrinkles! I sprinkle blueberries on and in everything!
Nature amazes me each and every day! The fact that we have fruits and vegetables available to us that can nourish, nurture, heal, harmonize and energize you and I is incredible. Begin to use the colors on your plate to bring you great health, happiness and harmony!
If you would like guidance to begin living your Inspired Life feel free to connect with me for a FREE 20 Minute Home in Harmony Lifestyle Private Call by clicking here!
Happy Soaring!
XOXO
