Eat the Rainbow: Celebrate National Fruit and Vegetable Month
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By Anna Faye Dupree
Anna Faye is a Dietetic Intern from Emory University Hospital. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a Master of Nutritional Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics. Anna Faye enjoys working with kiddos and loves sharing her knowledge about the joy of eating nutritious foods!
September is here and it's time to celebrate National Fruits and Vegetables Month! As the air turns crisp and the leaves change to the vibrant hues of fall, it's the perfect time to explore the colorful world of fruits and veggies.
How to LOVE fruits and veggies
We’ve all heard that fruits and veggies are “good for you.” But why ? And why do we need to eat all of them? Great questions. Here’s a simple trick to make it more fun for kids to eat fruits and veggies: “Eat the Rainbow!”
It sounds like it’s from fairy land, but this catchy phrase is about including a variety of foods to ensure you get all the nutrients your body needs. Fruits and vegetables are full of compounds that can be thought of as little workers in your body. Each color represents different nutrients that have their own job in the body! Let’s explore what makes each color special.
Superpowers of each color
RED: Tomatoes, strawberries, peppers, and watermelon contain special nutrients, called antioxidants, that help keep our hearts healthy and bodies energized over time.
ORANGE & YELLOW: These sunny foods brighten up your plate! Produce such as oranges, carrots, and peppers contain beta carotenoids, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C, which help keep our skin and eyes healthy.
GREEN: Green foods are like superheroes for your body! Spinach, broccoli, and green apples are loaded with nutrients that help build strong bones and keep your immune system fighting off germs.
BLUE & PURPLE: Foods like blueberries, eggplants, and purple grapes contain powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties, which help us have a strong brain. A bowl of blueberries makes a great snack and supports your brain and memory.
WHITE: These foods may not be as colorful, but they’re just as important for our bodies! Foods like onions, bananas, garlic, and cauliflower can help keep your heart healthy and boost your immune system.
As we celebrate National Fruits and Vegetables Month, let’s embrace the vibrant world of colors on our plates, By choosing a variety of fruits and vegetables, we support our health and make mealtime more exciting. One great way to do this is to include peppers! We love peppers because they come in many colors and contain Vitamin C and carotenoids.
Now that you’ve explored the colorful world of fruits and vegetables, celebrate Farm to School Month in October with us by downloading out Rainbow Wraps with Peppers Digital Resource Kit for free HERE to discover, eat, and love fruits and veggies in your classroom!
Remember, every color has unique benefits, working hard to keep us strong and energized! What colors are on your plate today?
