Healthy Habits: Eating Healthy Foods Using Color

HueTrition® founder and CEO Monica H. San Miguel says that with childhood obesity rates among some demographics in the U.S. as high as 26% affecting 13 million young Americans, it’s time to move beyond research and activate available tools with a focus on prevention and long-term health.

HueTrition® pioneered a revolutionary approach that emphasizes simplicity, enjoyment, and a closer connection to the natural world in the realm of wellness and nutrition. HueTrition’s innovative strategies such as its HuePets FREE mobile app designed to help families and kids eat more vegetables and fruits based on colors the foods represent has been featured on the Food Network Healthy Eats. NY Weekly, CEO Weekly, and USA Today, As Seen On TV, as well as other media outlets. The company encourages living a fun, simple, & colorful lifestyle with a focus on food as fuel, creating educational programs and technology-enabled solutions in collaboration with top chefs supported by key healthcare and CPG industry partners for consumers and patients overcoming chronic conditions.

I had a chance to learn more in this interview.

Why is it important for families to address childhood obesity?

Childhood obesity is an issue of significant concern due to its short-term and long-term implications for the health and well-being of children. Addressing childhood obesity is important for several reasons:

1. Health Risks: Childhood obesity is associated with a range of immediate health risks, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, sleep apnea, and joint problems. Children who are obese are also at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, and other serious health conditions later in life.
2. Mental and Emotional Well-being: Children who are obese may experience social and psychological challenges such as low self-esteem, depression, and bullying, which can have long-lasting effects on their mental and emotional well-being.
3. Long-Term Health: Addressing childhood obesity is crucial for preventing the development of obesity-related conditions in adulthood. Research has shown that obese children are more likely to become obese adults, and adult obesity is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases and a reduced quality of life.
4. Quality of Life: Children who are overweight or obese may face limitations in physical activities, reduced mobility, and decreased participation in social activities. Addressing childhood obesity can improve children's quality of life and enable them to engage in a broader range of activities.
5. Impact on Families: Childhood obesity can also impact the overall well-being of families, contributing to financial stress, emotional strain, and the need for ongoing medical care and support.
6. Public Health and Healthcare Costs: Childhood obesity contributes to the overall burden of chronic diseases and increases healthcare costs. By addressing childhood obesity, families can reduce the economic burden on healthcare systems and contribute to better public health outcomes.

Addressing childhood obesity requires a multifaceted approach, including promoting healthy eating habits, encouraging physical activity, providing education and support to families, and creating environments that support healthful choices. It's important for families to address childhood obesity to safeguard the immediate and future health of their children and to promote a culture of wellness and healthy living within their households.

 

What are some strategies families can use to improve their overall nutrition? 

There are several strategies that families can use to improve their overall nutrition. Here are some practical and effective tips:

• Plan and prepare meals at home: Setting aside time to plan and prepare meals at home can help families ensure they are incorporating a variety of nutritious foods into their diet. Cooking at home also allows families to control portion sizes and the ingredients that go into their meals.
• Include a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables: Encourage the consumption of a diverse range of fruits and vegetables to ensure that family members are getting a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Try to incorporate different colored fruits and vegetables to ensure a variety of nutrients.
• Limit processed foods and added sugars: Minimize the consumption of processed foods, sugary snacks, and sweetened beverages, as these often provide empty calories and lack essential nutrients. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible.
• Read food labels: Teach family members to read food labels to identify the nutritional content of packaged foods. Look for items with lower amounts of added sugars, salt, and unhealthy fats, while also paying attention to the fiber and protein content.
• Practice portion control: Encourage mindfulness when it comes to portion sizes. Using smaller plates can help control portion sizes, as can being mindful of serving sizes recommended on food packaging.
• Encourage regular family meals: Eating meals together as a family can promote healthier eating habits. It provides an opportunity for parents to model healthy eating behaviors and facilitates open discussions about nutrition and food choices.
• Be mindful of snacking: Offer healthier snack options such as fresh fruit, nuts, yogurt, or whole grain crackers, and limit the availability of unhealthy snacks in the home.
• Involve children in meal planning and preparation: Involving kids in planning and preparing meals can increase their interest in trying new foods and encourage healthier eating habits. It also provides an opportunity for education on the nutritional benefits of different foods.
• Stay hydrated: Encourage the consumption of water as the primary beverage of choice. Limit the intake of sugary drinks and fruit juices, which can add unnecessary calories and sugar to the diet.
• Seek professional guidance if needed: If a family member has specific dietary needs or health concerns, seek guidance from a registered dietitian or healthcare professional to develop a personalized nutrition plan.

By implementing these strategies, families can work toward improving their overall nutrition and promoting healthier eating habits for everyone.

 

How can the approach of using color work to bolster nutrition?

HueTrition = Eating Colorful vegetables & fruits, is a wonderful tool that can be used to bolster nutrition by making meals more visually appealing and increasing the variety of nutrients consumed. The concept of using color to enhance nutrition is often referred to as "eating the rainbow," as it involves including a diverse array of colorful fruits, vegetables, and other natural foods in your diet. Here are several ways that this approach can be beneficial:

1. Nutrient Diversity: Different colored foods contain different types of nutrients. By including a wide variety of colors on your plate, you can ensure that you are consuming a broader spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. For example, red, orange, and yellow fruits and vegetables often contain high levels of vitamins A and C, while green leafy vegetables are rich in vitamin K, folate, and other essential nutrients. By consciously seeking out foods of various colors, you can optimize your nutrient intake.
2. Antioxidant Power: Many colorful foods are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. For example, vibrant red and purple fruits and vegetables (such as berries, cherries, and purple cabbage) contain anthocyanins and other powerful antioxidants that can support overall health. Including these foods in your diet can contribute to a well-rounded antioxidant intake.
3. Psychological Impact: Colorful, visually appealing meals are often more enticing and enjoyable to eat. When meals are visually appealing, people may be more likely to consume greater quantities of fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods. This can be especially helpful for encouraging children and picky eaters to embrace a wider range of nutritious options.
4. Culinary Creativity: Embracing a colorful approach to nutrition can inspire creativity in the kitchen. Experimenting with a wide range of colorful ingredients can lead to the discovery of new recipes and cooking techniques, adding variety and excitement to your meals. This culinary exploration can also motivate individuals to try new foods and expand their palates, leading to a more diverse and nutrient-rich diet.

Here are some practical tips for incorporating the power of color into your approach to nutrition:

• Build Colorful Salads: Create vibrant salads by mixing different colored vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Adding ingredients like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, beets, and leafy greens can create a visually stunning and nutrient-packed dish.
• Incorporate Colorful Smoothies: Make nutrient-rich smoothies by blending a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. Adding ingredients like spinach, kale, berries, mango, and banana can yield a rainbow of smoothie options, each packed with an assortment of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Colorful Side Dishes: Prepare side dishes that feature an array of colors. For example, roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips can add vibrancy and variety to any meal.
• Mix and Match: Try to incorporate at least three different colors into every meal. For example, including a green salad, red bell peppers, and orange carrots alongside a main dish can help ensure that you are getting a diverse range of nutrients. 

In addition to the visual appeal, the goal of incorporating a wide array of colorful foods into your diet is to provide a spectrum of essential nutrients that can support overall health and well-being. By adopting a "colorful eating" approach, you can enhance the nutritional quality of your meals and cultivate a greater appreciation for the diverse and vibrant world of fruits, vegetables, and natural foods.

HueTrition's mission is to bring families together through eating, living with more color, and learning nurturing lifestyle habits from an early age through later stages in life. The company is a USDA MyPlate National Partner that has also forged strong collaborative industry partnerships, working cohesively with various sectors such as healthcare, insurance, and corporate wellness programs. HueTrition’s vision navigates beyond mainstream wellness narratives, focusing on practical, engaging, and simplistic methods to promote a healthier lifestyle.

For more information about their educational programs, you can visit the HueTrition’s website, HueBlog and HueTube Channel. You can also learn more about living a simple, mindful lifestyle by grabbing a copy of their book: “HueTrition: Healthy & Colorful Eating Made Fun” on Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes & Noble.