Have you ever watched The Food Channel? The chefs are skilled at plating dishes that are aesthetically pleasing. There is something about the variety of vibrant colors and garnishes that make you want to jump into the TV and join the cast for dinner. Color is power.
I have good news for you. You don’t have to be a skilled chef to make an appetizing dish that appeals to your senses. You don’t have to be a nutritionist to pack a punch of nutrient-dense foods on your plate. Think simple, satisfying, and scrumptious. Let’s explore color.
Color is Power
Colors have a powerful influence on the brain. When I studied marketing in undergrad, I was fascinated by the impact colors have on your mood. Like when you walk into the grocery store, do you notice that the produce section is eye-catching? You may find yourself smiling as your eyes capture the rich, vibrant colors of oranges and lemons. Then, you breathe in the sweet, citrusy aromas of the fresh fruits. But, colors not only impact your moods. Color is also power for the body. The variety of colors from God-made foods contain naturally occurring phytonutrients that help our bodies fight against chronic disease. Imagine how you can increase longevity just by adding some color to your plate. Intriguing, right?
When I think of the health benefits of the colors of foods, I think back to the first time I was a guest speaker for stress management at a CHIP Program (Complete Health Improvement Program). I was taken back by the display of vibrant, colorful, nutrient-dense foods that they served for dinner. I took one bite and my mouth was dancing with an abundance of flavors and textures that I would have never thought would be a satisfying experience.
What happened that day completely changed the way I looked at food and helped me realize that there is a more to eating healthily. As a result, I took into account the different health benefits that are naturally occurring in foods represented in each color of the rainbow. So, what are the health benefits of the different colors of God-made foods? To learn more about the benefits of the rainbow on your plate, click HERE. Remember, Color is Power. Now, let’s take it to another level.
Plant Power
Do you remember the vibrant lemon and orange fruit I mentioned at the beginning? Young Living Lemon and Orange vitality essential oils are two of my favorite essential oils for supporting emotional wellness, as well as, a resource for packing a powerful punch of antioxidants for the body.
Let’s take a moment to consider the simplicity and power of one drop! First, if you want an emotional boost, add one drops of lemon or orange essential oil to the palm of your hand, cup over your nose and mouth, and inhale deeply. Repeat. Don’t stop there. Second, double up the benefits with an antioxidant power punch by applying a drop of lemon or orange essential oil at the bottom of your feet. It is that simple! For me, my family, and my clients, the plant-powered benefits of essential oils takes self-care to a whole different level. Integrating essential oils into your plant-powered lifestyle provides simple and effective support for your entire body right at your fingertips.
WHAT NEXT?
Simple. Satisfying. Scrumptious. Yes, Color is power.
Let they food be thy medicine – Hippocrates.
First, what colors do you currently eat on a daily basis? Second, I challenge you to add one new color to your plate once a day this week. Shoot for 1-2 vegetable and/or fruits at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
For example, add beets, shredded carrots, and sliced mushrooms to your salad and top it off with walnuts. As a result, you will have five colors on your plate: red, orange, green, brown, and white. Drizzle with a maple vinaigrette and you’ve got a simple, satisfying and scrumptious dish.
An example for breakfast includes adding blueberries and raspberries to your oatmeal and topping it with flaxseed. As a result, you will have three colors: brown, blue, and red. It is that simple!
Consequently, you may not be a Food Channel Chef, but I am sure you can deliver a vibrant, nutrient-dense dish worth jumping into the TV to enjoy!
Happy Eating,
Dr. Joy oxox
Dr. Letticia (Dr. Joy) works independently or in group sessions to help overwhelmed, frustrated, down-in-the-dumps women live out their joyful purpose by increasing productivity, building resilience, and improving physical vitality and emotional balance. Ready for some J.O.Y. in your life? Contact Dr. Joy and mention this article for 10% off your first session.
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Dr. Letticia Callies (a.k.a. Dr. Joy) is on a mission to spread joy around the world. She helps people who are stuck or overwhelmed by helping them get the results they need to live out their joyful purpose. She uses a combination of evidence-based strategies to help you bounce back when you fall, empower and encourage you in your faith, improve your overall wellness, and help you discover more time to do what you love. Her joyful demeanor and compassionate communication help motivate her clients to make positive changes that simply become second nature.
Dr. Callies is the wife of her best friend for over 20 years; she is a mom to four boys and two girls. She is the founder of JOYFull Inspirations, LLC, an author, homeschool educator, worship dancer, and joy-lettering journalist. She enjoys spending time with her family, sampling tea, leading joy-handlettering Bible studies, and creating healthy recipes in the kitchen.