Why is color important? Many fatty and caloric foods, such as dairy products and starchy carbs, are beige or brown. When there are too many of these drab colors on your plate, weight gain is almost certain.

That’s because these beige foods often are high in calories and can leave you feeling hungry later. A cup of beige or brown beans can be over 200 calories….but a cup of red or green vegetables is under hundred! Add fresh greens, deep purple-reds, and bright yellow-orange to a meal, and water the nutrient content go up, while calories go down! Plus, you’ll get more enjoyment from eating when there’s a variety of colors and flavors on your plate.

Although these ideas may sound whimsical, they’re grounded in scientific fact. Dr. David Heber, a renowned nutritional expert from the University of California, Los Angeles established the role of color in his book, “What Color is Your Diet?” So, next time you visit the refrigerator, think colorfully. And remember to mix, not match!

To get you started on the color plate here is a deliciously interesting salad: Avocado, Walnut & Crispy Bacon.