During my years working in healthcare, I was subject to annual bio-screening to monitor my overall health. These figures were reported to my health insurance provider and could impact my premium. Improvement in my blood pressure or HDL/LDL readings could reduce my health insurance costs, while the opposite was also true. I was fairly healthy and active in my mid-20s so I was more curious than concerned.
There were a few different campaigns that healthcare agencies were pushing at that time, and one was called Eating the Rainbow or Eating by Color. The recommendation was 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day from each of the colors: Red, Yellow/Orange, Green, Blue/Purple, White. Ideally, each color of the rainbow in every meal.
For 1 year, I did nothing different except adding more color to my diet. I didn't add on a big exercise routine, and I didn't eliminate sugar or alcohol. Every biomarker in my screenings had improved by doing nothing different but adding more colorful produce to my diet. For as incredible as this is, I haven't seen much mention about it outside of my 3 years working for Health Promotions. This life-changing information should be posted everywhere at every farmstand, farmer's market and grocery store.
Bringing slow loving creativity back into the kitchen is one of the best investments we can make towards our health.
Many cultures have evolved with reverence for the role of the Kitchen Witch and the magic that is cultivated at the hearth. Fast-paced living has cost us the wisdom, the nutrients and the connection that once nourished us, and it's no wonder we've found ourselves sicker than ever, despite our access to ingredients. We don't even know what connection to the food that sustains us is supposed to look like.
The movie I'm showing this evening is called The Mistress of Spices. It's a love story that explores the blending of spices and cultures in the most human of ways. Somewhat dated, sorta cheesy, my hope is that the story serves as a starting point for inspiration and conversation. Here's a link for the preview:
If you care to join the watch party this evening, here's the link to watch the full movie for free on YouTube:
I will be serving samples of my new Relaxing Tea blend, featuring homegrown organic Tulsi Holy Basil and Lemonbalm, along with my Apple Rose Heart Healing Syrup. These items will be available for purchase here at my studio, and on the website soon.
Here's to your health!
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