It's National Nutrition Month®! And this year's theme is, "Eat Right with Color." Such a simple message!  A wise dietitian once told me, "While the science of nutrition is very complex, the art of eating (healthfully) is very simple."

So this month, instead of worrying about counting calories and grams of fat, focus building each of your meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and snack plates with 3 or more colors. A rainbow of colors provides a variety of nutrients to keep you healthy. Here are some ideas for adding color to your meals and snacks from the American Dietetic Association. Add several foods from each of the color groups to your shopping list this week! Remember that fresh, frozen, canned, and dried fruits and vegetables all count!

Green produce indicates antioxidant potential and may help promote healthy vision and reduce cancer risks.

• Fruits: avocado, apples, grapes, honeydew, kiwi and lime
• Vegetables: artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, green beans, green peppers and leafy greens such as spinach

Orange and deep yellow fruits and vegetables contain nutrients that promote healthy vision and immunity, and reduce the risk of some cancers.

• Fruits: apricot, cantaloupe, grapefruit, mango, papaya, peach and pineapple
• Vegetables: carrots, yellow pepper, yellow corn and sweet potatoes

Purple and blue options may have antioxidant and anti-aging benefits and may help with memory, urinary tract health and reduced cancer risks.

• Fruits: blackberries, blueberries, plums, raisins
• Vegetables: eggplant, purple cabbage, purple-fleshed potato

Red indicates produce that may help maintain a healthy heart, vision, immunity and may reduce cancer risks.

• Fruits: cherries, cranberries, pomegranate, red/pink grape fruit, red grapes and watermelon
• Vegetables: beets, red onions, red peppers, red potatoes, rhubarb and tomatoes

White, tan and brown foods sometimes contain nutrients that may promote heart health and reduce cancer risks.

• Fruits: banana, brown pear, dates and white peaches
• Vegetables: cauliflower, mushrooms, onions, parsnips, turnips, white-fleshed potato and white corn

Share some colorful, easy-to-prepare meals or snacks you're going to make this month on our Facebook page!