In order to get the maximum benefits from food, and there’s so much you can get from food alone, you should make an effort to incorporate a variety of foods, especially colorful fruits and veggies into your diet.  The universe supplies all that our body needs to keep it strong, healthy and living well. Dieting is not always abstaining from food rather, it is eating a balanced diet. It is the preference of one food group over the other that creates imbalance.

If you’re like me, you tend to reach for the same things when shopping that you know are nutritious and give your body what it needs. How many times do you overlook the fruits, veggies and legumes that are not your favorite and just leave them on the shelf?  So I challenge you this week to take this one small step to boost your health. Every time you shop, pick out three additional things that you know are healthy but may not be what you gravitate to.  Add color and variety to your meals.

For example:

Legumes: If you normally reach for brown rice, try the quinoa or millet.
Green Veggies: If you normally buy kale, try collard greens or spinach.
Steamed Veggies: If you normally pick up broccoli, try brussels sprouts or carrots.
Soups: Soups are a great way to incorporate many different veggies, even those you’re not a fan of.  The flavors will blend together and it provides a complete nutritious meal and it’s delicious! (I usually make a huge pot and freeze in small containers for a quick lunch/dinner.)
Protein: If you eat lentils often, try  beans or organic tempeh or tofu.  If you love poultry or meat, try fish or some other variety.
Nuts: Do you snack on nuts? Have a favorite one?  Great, but try something new! Walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds are some great snacks.  Each one has different health benefits.

You get the idea….

In conclusion: If you make an effort to include all the fruits and veggies you can (especially local and in season which are best for you) you won’t need additional supplements to give your body all the nutrients that it needs.  Food has it all. And of course home made cooking is best! You know what you’re putting in to your body, it’s usually made with healthier ingredients, less fat, less sodium and most importantly, it’s made with LOVE – the most essential ingredient in any meal to feed not just your body but also your soul.

Bon appetite and happy shopping and cooking!

This week’s challenge:
Add a variety of foods especially fruits and veggies to your shopping cart that you wouldn’t normally choose and get creative with them in your kitchen!  And share pictures:)