Eating “from the rainbow” is a colorful way of convincing your senior to try a variety of different types of fruits and vegetables. This helps to make sure that she’s getting a range of different nutrients, since many of the colors of produce are typical for specific nutrients. Eating from the rainbow is something that can change seasonally, too, which is a great way to eat the freshest produce while it’s in season. 

White Foods  

White fruits and vegetables get overlooked, or they get lumped in with the other colors. But they have a lot of nutritional value of their own to offer. A lot of root vegetables, like white potatoes, turnips, and parsnips, fall into this category. They’re full of nutrients and they also have fiber as a selling point. Other foods to consider include onions, mushrooms, and cauliflower. Each of which offer their own flavors and nutritional benefits. 

Orange and Yellow Foods 

Yellow and orange foods are often high in beta carotene and vitamin A. These nutrients are important for your senior’s vision, but they also help to fuel her immune system and her nervous system. Some of the different options here are carrots, of course, but also foods like pumpkin, orange and yellow squashes, and sweet potatoes. Other orange foods, like oranges and clementines, are excellent sources of vitamin C, which is also crucial for the immune system. 

Green Foods 

Dark leafy greens are frequently recommended for a healthy diet, so foods like spinach and kale often rank high on the green foods list. But there’s a lot more to choose from, too. Avocados are high in healthy fats and fiber, both of which your senior needs in plentiful amounts. Other green foods include ideas like peas, beans, zucchini, and cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and broccoli. 

Red Foods 

It’s amazing how often the color of a food can tie in with the system it supports, like red foods often have excellent benefits for your senior’s circulatory system. An apple a day has long been recommended, but berries, including raspberries and strawberries, are also full of nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants. Other red foods to consider could include watermelon, tomatoes, and even red peppers and radishes. 

Blue and Purple Foods 

Purple and blue foods are usually really high in antioxidants, which are also really good for your senior’s circulatory system. Some of these purple and blue foods include some berries, like blueberries and blackberries. But they also include foods like grapes, purple potatoes, and purple cabbages.  

If your elderly family member finds it difficult to keep up with cooking and meal preparation on her own, consider bringing in home care providers to help. They can make quick work of these boring tasks and ensure that your senior is eating healthy meals every single day. 

If you or an aging loved-one is considering home care in Dallas, TX please contact the caring staff at Sunlife Home Care today at (877) 888-1311.