As the festive season rolls around, with its whirlwind of parties and celebrations, it’s easy to get swept up in the culinary indulgence, often sidelining our nutritional wellbeing. Yet there’s a simple, colourful hack to keep your nutrition on track amidst the holiday cheer: dedicating one meal a day to eating the rainbow.
Vegetables, the unsung heroes of the food world, are nature’s nutrient powerhouses. Their colours are more than just appealing to the eye; they’re indicators of various vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. By incorporating a variety of hues in your diet, you’re not just adding vibrancy to your plate – you’re ensuring a rich supply of essential nutrients, antioxidants and other beneficial compounds unique to each plant. Eating a wide variety of plant foods is associated with so many health benefits. So, if you’re eating the same two or three vegetables with dinner most nights and you stick to your favourite piece of fruit year-round, you may be missing out. Well done on eating them and please keep this going! Simply see if you can add more variety.
Even amidst festive indulgence, a meal focused on a variety of vegetables ensures a daily dose of these essential substances. These vitamins and minerals help maintain your energy levels, keeping you lively through the festive hustle. For even more of a boost, add a good quality greens powder to your water bottle or smoothie. And if you’re prone to overeating at parties and this is something you’d like to avoid, eat a bowl of vegetables or a meal with veggies as the main focus before you head out. This way you’re getting your nourishment in and you won’t be starving by the time you arrive.
Keen on getting even more bang for your buck?
Our liver tends to get a bit of a pummelling during the festive season so give it a bit of love by including plenty of the vegetables that it needs to account for any additional load.
Think kale, spinach, bok choy, silverbeet, watercress, broccoli or broccoli sprouts. Broccoli contains sulforaphane which is a superhero for our liver. This substance supports the optimal functioning of some of your most important biochemical pathways – particularly those needed for estrogen and pesticide detoxification and both really matter, obviously.
This simple hack doesn’t just benefit your physical wellbeing; it can also be a grounding ritual in the often hectic festive season. It’s a daily reminder to care for yourself, stay connected to your own nourishment and enjoy the natural bounty of the season.
