Eat the Rainbow! Intro to How Colorful Foods Can Heal Your Body! (Fruits & Veggies Monday)

in #fruitsandveggiesmonday7 years ago (edited)

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Did you know that your food has super healing powers? How would you like to wake up to something so beautiful for breakie, knowing it wanted to send love to your body from within?

We have this gorgeous rainbow appearing here on this fruit platter for #fruitsandveggiesmonday by one of my role models, a super vegan chef extraordinaire, @lenasveganliving!

I know Mondays have this bad rap... everyone hates Mondays because they are an end to the weekend but I actually love Mondays because they have so much potential and are filled with opportunity! I look at it as starting my week instead of ending my weekend and that gives me joy and gratitude for the world's most misunderstood weekday!

A fun way to kickstart the week is with a fruits and veggie Monday breakie! I have tried many a diet in my life and upon getting to the health(ier) place I am now, I prefer to begin my day with a lovely fruit platter like this, a fruit smoothie or a fun smoothie bowl! Fruits are the highlight of my mornings and they give me a surge of energy to take on the day and week ahead!

On my rainbow plate of goodies- we have 3 of our chakras being fed in this wonderful, playful, antioxidant rich dish! Let's take a look at them!


Red/Pink:


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Root Chakra: Healing/Grounding. Associated with security and meeting your basic needs (ie: food!) If you're feeling aloof, or detached from the present, eating red or root foods can help you come back to now, connect to yourself and make you feel more secure in where you are. Aside from the color, root vegetables are very effective for grounding and centering. Beets (beetroot) being red and a root are especially healing since they come from the ground and can be a good way to center if you're feeling out of touch with reality!

  • Strawberries
  • Dragon fruit (bordering purple/third eye)

Orange:


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Sacral Chakra: Emotions/Creativity: Associated with expression of emotions and creativity/desires/fantasies (ie: this artistic design of the fruit platter!) Eat lots of oranges if you're wanting to get in touch with your creative side! When the solar plexus is in alignment, ideas are able to flow without restriction!

  • Oranges
  • Papaya

Yellow:


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Solar Plexus Chakra: Stomach! Psychological/Behavioral: Associated with personal power and self esteem (ie: choosing a diet that makes you feel fantastic!) The solar plexus is linked to many physical manifestations in our bodies including aches and pains. By balancing it, we can relieve those symptoms and come into our own power, control and thus have more ability to exert our wants and desires into reality.

  • Mango
  • Banana
  • Passionfruit

There are also mulberries sprinkled around the colors here so we have some deep, black from the berries and the seeds of the dragon fruit and passion fruit!

Ideally, having all of the colors of the rainbow or the 7 chakras is the most beneficial breakie in terms of color healing as you can get but, we've done a pretty good job with diversity and antioxidant filled super foods here!

Why did I mention chakras in a food post?


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Well, I am glad you asked! Our chakras each are associated with a color of the rainbow and eating those colors are said to heal and send energy/communicate with the appropriate part of the body. Whenever you're feeling a stomach issue, eating lots of yellow fruits and veggies can send some extra love to that space and you may just find some powerful healing come!

Super tip to women:

Eating red foods during your time of the month is said to reduce swelling, pain and cramping! I did a workshop with Brigitte Mars on color healing in Costa Rica which was incredible! Definitely check her website and books out if you're interested in this, she's amazingly inspiring and someone I really admire! She recommends borscht for very serious menstrual pain!

According to Brigitte, getting a diversity of colors throughout our diets serves to keep our chakras happy and in alignment, creating a healthier environment for our digestive system and bodily functioning!

To all you Steemians:

If you're feeling creatively tapped out, try some orange foods as they will recharge your creativity and may just be able to get you back on track!

How many colors did you eat for breakfast?

I challenge you to try to get some of every color (it's great if those colors come from fruits and veggies since they come from the earth and contain nutrient rich minerals and vitamins needed to obtain a healthy immune system.

I chose to explain the benefits of the colors on this plate and I'll have to make a plate with the remaining chakras to give you the lowdown on the remaining chakras, green, blue, indigo and purple!

It's not always easy to get every color in the meal and that's completely OK! The idea is to try to eat the rainbow as much as possible, promoting healing and as an added plus, it's a fun and beautiful way to play with your food! Here's my post about why I believe we should play with our food!

I believe food is a gift of love from the Earth! 😍


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Sending you love through (plant-based/vegan) food, as always! If you are new here, it's great to have you here!
I am obsessed with food as you'll surely see, and I am a strong believer in the power it has within it, and the ability it has to heal us! I aim to inspire through my recipes and posts and hope to connect with you here, through your heart. Some say the way to the heart is through the stomach, I 100% agree with that theory ;)
I believe in sharing what makes the heart happy, if you'd like to see more, come on by @heart-to-heart!😘
Here are some easy ways to make changes in your diet if you want to check it out!

PS: I am also running veganwednesday challenge every week! See here for more details on how to participate (and win by sharing some love!)

Until next time,
XO,
🍊🍉🍈🍇🍋🍌🍍🍎


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How do you guys feel about plant based substitutes? For example, vegan "meat" and soy milks, etc.? I'm trying to eat a more plant-based diet, but I've heard conflicting things about whether it's more beneficial to use vegetarian/vegan substitutes or to just use less of the real items.

For example, I read a book by a raw vegan nutritionist named Kimberly Snyder that made processed soy sound like the worst thing ever. I know that dairy and meat are also bad in some similar and some worse ways. :-/

Hi @travelfoodjoy! I'm happy you asked :) I love getting into this kind of discussion <3

So as far as vegan subs go... That's difficult to answer in a box but generally what my rule is, is to look at the ingredients.

I barely buy those items unless I know the source or person making them because if you look at the ingredients, there are oftentimes just as negative to your health as anything you'd be trying to avoid.

For example, my 'vegan meat' is tofu and tempe (both made of soy which I previously avoided like the plague) however, I know the farmers here that grow the organic, non gmo soy and make it fresh, handmade so I am fortunate to have that relationship with the source.

For milks, I generally make my own! It's easy to do with nuts if you have a good blender and nut milk bags! The reason why I prefer this is because if you look on the back of a nut milk box, they have so many ingredients to keep the milk good on the self for extended periods and I am not a fan of any of that.

I'll tell you, I have been on both sides of the fence (actively) when it comes to soy but I believe now that it really has a lot to do with how it's grown. I don't know where you're coming from but in America, that stuff is pumped with GMOs and therefore, I'd agree with her and say that I wouldn't put that in my body either! It's too bad the labeling in the states is how it is as well, if we could trust it more, then I might tell you to look for an organic label but it's not guaranteed.

Would love to help out in any way else I can so feel free to keep connecting with me if I didn't answer your question or if you would like to dig deeper into this- it's my passion! =D

Thanks so much for your in-depth response! I'm not only American, I'm from a place where portions are huge and greasy-Chicago!

Healthy eating was NOT the norm. I'm trained to eat everything deep dish, fried and/or with extra cheese on top! :p

I was a vegetarian for 6 years, but ended up breaking for some shrimp fried rice hangs head That opened the door for all the other meats to reenter the picture. :-/

I'll probably never become a vegan, but I may end up going veggie again. I'm not sure how to pass up certain foods when I travel, so I'll probably just try to only eat meat and dairy when I'm traveling.

Hey, no problem, sorry I am late getting back to you! :)

Oh I grew up right across the way in Canada, so while I didn't grow up in the same food situation you have described, I know all about what you face being your neighbour!

I have been meaning to write about how I learned to travel and maintain my diet, you've reminded me that it's really useful advice because people think that if they are traveling it's going to be harder for them when I have actually found the opposite!

I travel all of the time, I am traveling more than I am stationary and I still don't eat any meat or dairy (many countries have different handling processes and many food borne sicknesses come from those foods so I always recommend my friends and family avoid them!)

Whenever I get a chance, I'll write that and hopefully it'll help <3

Wonderful post!!! That plate of fruit looks so healthy .. I only had 2 colors for breakfast today, banana (yellow) and Oranges (orange). I need to try and add extra color to my day!!! Have a GREAT start to your week heart-to-heart!! SUNSHINE247

I'm going to come grab you up and bring you here with me so you can have all the colorful fruit I get everyday ;) <3 We'll have to bring the kiddies too!

You're lucky being in California though, you have red raspberries and cherries, blue blueberries, green apples, orange persimmons! Still after all this travel the Oakland market is one of my favourites!

<3 Have a wonderful rainbow filled week!

You are so darn lucky!!!! I was at the store the other day and guess what they sell now .. Frozen dragonfruit .. LOL!!! I of course would prefer the fresh but I may pick up a bag of frozen to have in my freezer .. we know how darn hard it is to find fresh around this neck of the woods :)

Just made a bunch of pepper jams with dragonfruit!

Wonderful!!!!!! Are you going to do a post on the pepper jams - would love to see how you make it :) Sounds delicious!!!! SUNSHINE247

Yes, I plan too along with my "secret" recipes. I am extremely busy right now gearing up for the tourist season and holidays as I make and sell at the Farmer's Market. I will take photos as I am making new jams and butters. Hopefully I can remember this contest. LOL

These were some of the best dragonfruit!!

Beautiful!!!!!!! Lucky you .. look at all that goodness!!!!

Oh yes, and I get my fresh organic fruits by the boxes full and at a huge discount. I also do trades. fresh organic veggies and fresh organic eggs are also plentiful. I grow some veggies but I also like supporting the local community. A lot of the vendors give away what they don't sell to other vendors, so most of the time I go home with lots of veggies and fresh herbs. We just all help and support each other as all communities should be doing. It's a small town, so we all know each other.

Yes and yummy. already made into spicy pepper jams!

OH I wish I could have some <3 Sounds perfect!

Yes, all my products are yummy and organic. Come visit the Big Island and I will send you back with some.

Do you mean it? Because I am the type that will take you up on that my dear @thetreehugs, I love meeting friends all over the world! I ended up in New Zealand for 3 months because I met a couple on the street that had a farm and were loosely talking about what I was dreaming of soooo when can I come? ;) <3

I'm brand new to steemit, and I just happened upon your posts - love what I see!! Looking forward to more!! Always interested in ideas, recipes and just info on foods and its impact on our bodies!! though I'm "no young'un" you're never too old to learn a few new tricks!
Cheers xo

Hi @crystalstar! Welcome to Steemit for starters :) It's a wonderful community! As for this particular post, although I am all over the place with my many interests, food and health are of utmost importance to me <3

Well, I think it's incredible that you're still open to new tricks because some, (like my parents) are too stuck in their own ways to expand their horizons! I for one really appreciate your openness <3

I'm excited to have you hear, please let me know if you need any help at all getting around! <3

Thanks again for the welcome - I am also interested in "lots of new thing" - one that's dear to my 64 year old heart (grin) is "daily hob duties" - I'm a cottage witch and what are "chores" for some are joys and ways of bringing magick to my world! And that includes food preparation and just plain old information - new or "old hat" - so I'll be chuffed to hear your ideas and I will let you know if I need any "navigating" help! Cheers xo

My Dearest @heart-to-heart, not only you surprised me by entering the contest today, but you managed to give me goosebumps of joy from the content you are presenting...........the outstanding colorful, super yummy and super healthy plate with an insightful information about chakras. Thank you so much my Sweetie, for everything including the super shoutout. I am absolutely thrilled. Restemed plus tip!

Well I would be here with you every Monday because I absolutely adore you however, Mondays are always super chaotic for me! I am going to have to write the post ahead of time and just post it on Mondays so I can help spread your lovely contest as best I can <3 I'm happy you liked it ;)

I would truly appreciate it my dear, although I understand you are very busy, so no pressure, I am happy to see you entry at least once in awhile 🌸💖🌸

I am not in favor of soy as I am from the States. I lean on the lentils and other beans and sprinkle chia on everything that doesn't move.

Inspiring thoughts. Thank you.

I do not blame you, that's what I was responding to someone who asked... if you don't have a good source, I don't particularly recommend it. I love my source though and realize how blessed I am to have it as there are actually many positives to non GMO, organic soy. It is afterall, a protein source and a plant before they went and messed it all up!

I am with you on everything else <3 Chia is my lifesaver!

Yes! Chia rocks!

Never thought of chakras and food colors together. Thank you for that!! Right now, I am trying to think how many colors I ate today. Lots of green, that is for sure. Red, purple, orange. No yellow today :(

You need some banana (though they actually qualify bananas as white usually... I still say yellow though ;) ) What was your purple!? <3

red cabbage, beet green steems - could be red, could be purple.... I had passion fruit as well. But only the shell is purple. The inside is more greenish.

Your passionfruit has a purple shell? With green inside? That is so crazy different than ours here! We have a light pink shell with yellow or orange inside and we have soft yellow shells with the same inside. I would love to see the purple shell!

here is a blog post I did https://steemit.com/fruitsandveggiesmonday/@mariannewest/fruits-and-vegies-monday-passionfruit
I guess there is some yellow to the inside, but the green speaks to me :)

1st prize? @lenasveganliving, you aren't playing favourites are you? Everyone knows how much we love each other ;) <3

Thank you so much for the reward, I am happy to be a part of your lovely contest! =D I think it's wonderful getting everyone to be more active with their fruits and veggies! XO

Oh sweetie, I hope no one thinks that , because that is not the case at all. You put time, effort, creativity and valuable information in your entry. Trust me I am very objective, even though I am little bit concerned what other contestants may think. But I can't go against my integrity. You deserved the 1st PRIZE rightfully. So please do not think for a second that I would chose Prizes based on my personal feelings towards you or anyone. 🌸💖🌸

I was just teasing @lenasveganliving, I do the same with my contest... I know what it's like, don't worry <3 I was just being bashful! I really appreciate the recognition as I did make that post extra specially full with love for you!

<3 I am going to donate the prize money back to you for next week's pool =D XO

Oh my goodness, you are soooooooooooo kind my darling. I appreciate it so much.

But ups, about my serious reply............ I am usually pretty good at getting jokes, but I missed it this time. I am sorry lol. I guess I am really stressed out about it. I am planning to look for judges, the way
@woman-onthe-wing deas. I think that will be the best. I need to focus on more importnat things right? And no stress lol

Oh no, if it's causing you stress then for sure, if you just ask people I am sure they will help you every week <3 I know judging my contest takes a lot of time and effort on my part that can be challenging to keep up with as well so I understand where you're coming from!

I hope you find the best way to do it =D I am here to help anyway I can! XO

Thank you my Dear for understanding. I will make announcement and see what happens 💖

Yeah, the Skittles brand had it right: "Taste the Rainbow." I used to work for a company called Organic Earthly Delights, selling weekly baskets of fresh and local fruits and vegetables grown in Montana. And we made it a mantra to "eat our colors" every day. What a beautiful fruit salad you've made.

Oh wow, I just love that! When I lived in California, I used to get those organic boxes delivered! They were the best since the farmer's market was a bit far for me on a bicycle lol I could never bring much back home! I really love hearing that there are companies out there like this that are promoting and encouraging healthy behavior! We have so many companies that are the opposite, don't we? Awww, what a lovely image =D Thanks for sharing! I hope you still are continuing to eat the rainbow! <3

Ah, your comment is music to my ears. Thanks for such an upbeat and vibrant reply. Yes, I and my family are still eating the rainbow. :) Feels really good to think about the fruit basket deliveries, and the farmer's markets, and the community gardens, and all the ways we are blessed with nature's abundance.

Thanks so much for this interesting article, @heart-to-heart ! I also absolutly love eating the rainbow - especially greens and vegetables in general. As a kundalini yogi I found the connection between colorful foods and the chakras especially interesting and I'm looking forward to your next article :) xx Corinna @schuesselglueck

Hi @schuesselglueck =D You are most welcome, it's my passion to be able to share some of this wonderful information I have learned along my journey here! I have found that balancing chakras and having a earth based diet has centered and balanced me a lot more. The woman I mentioned, Bridgitte Mars is in her 60's and you would never believe it! These are special things we can do for our bodies to keep healthy and vibrant, I will of course continue to share more! I'm so happy to hear you found something in this <3

Upvoted. I'm going to resteem this now :)

Thank you @imbritish! Hopefully with the sharing more people can add the rainbow to their breakfasts and get a great start this week :)