When it comes to nutrition and building a healthy diet, one simple way to start establishing good habits is by eating the rainbow. In other words: add more color to your plate at every snack and meal throughout the day!
One of the best ways to achieve this is with fruits and vegetables. Different colors offer different vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health (as a bonus, your plate will look fun and colorful!). Be sure to vary things up and remember that the richer the color of the fruit or vegetable, the better. For example, a bowl of spinach as the base for your salad will provide more nutrition than a bowl of iceberg lettuce.
Here are some ideas to bring color into your meals:
- Breakfast: An omelet with spinach, mushrooms, and orange pepper, plus a side of berries
- Lunch: A salad with dark greens, carrots, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red pepper, and shredded purple cabbage (don’t forget protein!)
- Dinner: Your favorite pasta and sauce with added veggies like spinach, zucchini, onion, and yellow pepper
- Snack: Greek yogurt with berries or a yummy fruit smoothie
Download Our FREE Recipe Book
If you’re looking for meal inspiration or something new to try, download our recipe book for tons have healthy, delicious recipes that are made in our cooking classes!
Register for a Cooking Program or Class
Throughout the year, you’ll find cooking programs and classes for all ages at our Framingham Branch and Hopkinton Outdoor Center. These classes are a great way for us to engage with participants on different healthy eating habits:
"At the Y, eating the rainbow is a lesson we teach our youth in cooking classes, through our summer camp menu, and beyond! We encourage healthy choices and educate on the importance of incorporating a variety of colors in our meals so that we may benefit from all of the vitamins and minerals they provide." - MetroWest YMCA Nutrition Department
You can sign up for a class series or an a la carte class, so be sure to check them all out!
