We all try to be the best versions of ourselves that we can be. This includes reducing the stress in our lives, sleeping well and enough, exercising adequately, and getting out in the sun and enjoying nature. Another thing we should focus on is the food we eat. Eating the rainbow is a great way to make sure you are getting all of the nutrients you need. Read on to learn more!
Fruits and Vegetables
Julie Peterson, author of “Gut Check” says that “fruits and vegetables get their colors from phytochemicals, which provide the human microbiome with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that keep the gut healthy and help the immune system combat cellular damage.” Antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins are all things we should be incorporating into our diets. Eating fruits and vegetables is a great way to do this. Many people turn their nose up to all things healthy, but you can make fruits and vegetable fun and tasty! Peterson’s goal when she goes shopping each week is to add a new fruit or vegetable to her shopping cart. This ensures that she is eating enough fruits and vegetables, but also expands her horizons and keeps things mixed up, so she never gets tired of having the same thing over and over again.
Eat the Rainbow
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey recommends that we eat 2- servings of plants a day. This would include two each from the green, red, white, purple/blue, and yellow/orange categories. Their data shows, however, that 8 out of 10 people in the United States don’t get enough of each category. We must be mindful of what we put in our bodies. The food we eat is fuel for our brains. You can’t practice the tools in your recovery if you are feeling the effects of nutritious food.
Other Things You Should Be Eating
Besides eating fruits and vegetables, you should be eating a variety of foods that include a variety of nutrients. Protein and healthy fats are other things that you should be consuming enough of every day. Besides these food groups, herbs are also good to eat because they help boost your immune system and balance the bacteria in your gut.
Arbor Behavioral Healthcare is here to help you eat the rainbow! We can help you throughout your recovery in many ways. Call us today for more information at 844-413-2690. We can’t wait to hear from you!