How To Eat A Balanced Meal? Just Eat Your Colors

The USDA recently published an updated version of the food pyramid. Rumor has it that once the original pyramid was turned on its side, it became more difficult for people to understand and follow. Thus we now have the simplified version pictured here.

Sadly enough, big industry won’t yet part ways with their peddling of healthy servings of meat and dairy on us despite evidence which points to their direct contribution of chronic disease prevalent in our Western diet. (See research as outlined in The China Study for starters) But if we look at the chart on a visual level only, there is some good that can be drawn from the recommendation.

Remember back in the day when grandma would tell you to eat your vegetables? It seems this old wives’ tale about eating your colors proved to be good science as well as common sense. It is because the variety of colors in vegetables represent different antioxidants (phytochemicals) that our bodies need to protect us against chronic diseases. Each vegetable contributes something different and essential and that’s why it’s best to have a colorful plate for the most complete coverage of these life-giving foods.

Contrast that with the average fast food meal. Burger, fries, soda or shake, fried chicken: all of it variations of the brown color family. The only color in the average fast food meal likely comes from the artificial ones added to your sugary drink or ice cream shake. It’s easy to see how a lifetime of convenience foods quickly contribute to the issues we now face, like obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

For those of us with feminine reproductive issues like fibroids, endometriosis, painful periods, PCOS and infertility, we must be especially mindful of what we’re putting into our bodies. Because all of those chemicals that are used to beef up meat and dairy production land in our wombs and whip up their own maelstrom of internal warfare for us to contend with.

As you travel your own journey to health, make sure that your critical thinking cap is firmly affixed and do your own due diligence to find the right solution for you. Be Well.