A Colorful Diet

While studying dietetics, I received some experience in catering. In catering, presentation is everything! Part of the eating experience happens before the food ever reaches your mouth. If it doesn't look appetizing, it won't be as enjoyable. Something really important when considering a meal is the color scheme. For example, you never want to serve Swiss Chicken, mashed potatoes and cauliflower! This would be an all white meal and very bland and unappetizing to the eye. It's so important to have a colorful meal. A great way to do this is to have a very colorful vegetable. In general, you want to color your daily diet with fruits and vegetables.

Here are some examples of nutrient rich foods in each color category:

Green
Veggies
ex. Kale, Spinach, Leafy Greens (Turnip, Collard, Mustard), Romaine, Lettuce, Broccoli, Green Peas, Cabbage, Brussels, Sprouts, Bok Choy, Arugala, Swiss Chard, Turnips, Rutabaga, Watercress, Kale

Fruit
ex. Kiwifruit, Honeydew Melon

Orange
Veggies
ex. Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin, Butternut Squash, Yellow Pepper

Fruit
ex. Cantaloupe, Mangoes, Apricots, Peaches, Oranges, Grapefruit, Lemons, Tangerines, Clementines,Papaya, Apricots, Nectarines, Pears, Pineapple

Red
Veggies
ex. Tomato-based products, Fresh Tomato, Beets, Red Cabbage, Red Onion

Fruit
ex. Watermelon,Pink Grapefruit,Guava, Raspberries, Cherries, Strawberries, Cranberries, Red Apples

Blue/Purple
Veggies
ex. Eggplant

Fruit
ex. Blueberries, Blackberries, Purple Grapes, Prunes, Raisins, Plums

White
Veggies
ex. Garlic, Onions, Leeks, Scallions, Chives