Red apples, orange carrots, green kale, purple eggplant… eating our colors is good for us and growing little bodies! A great way to get kids excited & interested in fruits and vegetables is to talk about it's connection to color! Eating a rainbow-colored diet instills wholesome eating habits that are essential for a child’s health, growth and development.
Kids love colors. Have them a draw a rainbow {red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple} and then discuss what fruits & vegetables share the same colors.
Teach them the importance of nutrition by explaining that the different colors provide different nutrients! It’s a great way to get them involved in the foods they are eating {or hopefully about to eat!} and to help them understand that natural plant pigments signify certain health benefits:
Orange/yellow fruits & vegetables- are colored by a plant pigment called “carotenoids”. Carotenoids produce Vitamin A, which helps to make the eyes healthy. Eat your carotenoids with carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, mangos and winter squash.
Red fruits & vegetables- are colored by “lycopene”. Lycopene helps boost immunity so your body can fight off colds & viruses. Eat your lycopene with tomatoes, watermelon, red peppers and pink grapefruits.
Blue/purple fruits & vegetables- are colored by “anthocyanins”. Anthocyanins are a powerful antioxidant that help protect your bodies cells from damage. Eat your anthocyanins with blueberries, purple grapes, eggplant, figs and blackberries.
Green fruits & vegetables- are colored by “Lutein”. Lutein is loaded with antioxidants, essential vitamins, minerals and fiber that help protect our eyes and skin. Eat your folate with broccoli, spinach, kale, Brussels sprouts and asparagus.
Every color of fruits & vegetables contain different vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that help nourish little bodies and help them grow and stay healthy!
For more fruit & vegetable fun, read "Eating the Alphabet" by Lois Ehlert
'Apple to zucchini, come take a look, start eating your way, through this alphabet book.'
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