Spring is fast approaching. It’s a season for the fit and fabulous, when fashion throws off its winter coats and basks in the crisp air like the bud of a bougainvillea about to bloom.
For some of us, however, our winter waistline has blown out, and we might be feeling…well…bleak.
What to do?
The answer is simple: embrace colour.
‘How?’ I hear you say.
Easy: put it on your plate.
A new campaign has just been launched on www.healthier.qld.gov.au to bring colour back into vogue, featuring fruits and vegetables like you’ve never seen them before.
The campaign, which includes 200 delicious and nutritious recipes, is focused on helping Queenslanders find their health and happiness by putting some colour pop into everyday diets.
Orange and yellow:
Beta-carotene is usually found in orange and yellow fruits and vegetables. These fruit and veg also contain vitamin C – important for the body’s immune system and reducing the risk of cancer. Examples: Carrot, orange, pumpkin, lemon, corn and mango
Red:
The antioxidant lycopene is present in red fruits and veggies like tomato and capsicum – especially when cooked! It’s associated with a reduced risk of some cancers, particularly prostate cancer.
Examples: Tomato, red onion, capsicum, cranberries, strawberries and raspberry and red kidney bean.
Green:
Green leafy vegetables like, spinach, cabbage, fenugreek leaves, mustard leaves and radish leaves is also associated with a reduced risk of gallbladder cancer. Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, bok choy, broccoli and brussel sprouts can reduce your risk of lung cancer.
Blue and purples:
The antioxidant anthocyanin makes our fruits and veggies blue and purple. It can boost immunity and is beneficial for the health of our cellular membrances, including our blood vessels.
Examples: Blueberries, eggplant, beetroot and plums.
White and brown:
A banana a day, alone, can reduce your risk of bowel cancer.
Examples: Banana, dates, brown onions, mushrooms and artichokes.
Aim for five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruit each day to boost your wellbeing and maintain a healthy waistline.
Check out www.healthier.qld.gov.au today for great recipe ideas, apps, a health and fitness age calculator, and free exercise advice.
Spring is nearly here – spin it with colour this season!
