Independence Day is quickly approaching, and as you plan your barbecues and make your grocery lists, remember to eat the rainbow! Whether you’re shopping the Hamptons farm stands or Fresh Direct, the key is to load up on as many different colors of fruits and vegetables as you can. You may be grilling up burgers, hotdogs, sausages, or ribs, but nothing is a better complement to these sumptuous and smoky treats than some fresh, local produce (plus, nothing looks better than a buffet table loaded with platters of brightly colored fruits and veggies!).
Why is eating a variety of vibrantly colored fruits and vegetables so important? In addition to the fact that eating a variety of produce provides the body with an array of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants (and fiber) that it needs, they are loaded with phytochemicals, which have powerful disease-fighting properties. These phytochemicals give fruits and vegetables the wide variety of colors that naturally occur, and guess what? There are over 25,000 types of these powerful little guys out there, each of which brings its own little unique gift to the body. Eating as many colors as you can ensures that you are getting a variety of the phytochemicals and nutrients that your body needs to run optimally.
So whatever your menu may be this July 4th week, don’t forget to throw some corn, peppers, and eggplants on the grill, slice some juicy tomatoes, carve up a melon, and remember those delicious dark green leafy greens! Take advantage of the season, and serve yourself and your guests the most brilliant colors Mother Nature has to offer! Enjoy your holiday week!
DASHA wellness & spa is a luxury lifestyle brand and New York City-based wellness center created to offer a truly holistic approach to wellness. To learn more, visit dashawellness.com
