Nutritional variety supports nutritional diversity, which is encapsulated in the phrase “eat a rainbow,” and calls for a wide variety of food. Even if we already consume mostly whole foods, this approach ensures that we get all of the necessary nutrients and that mealtimes are not only nutritious but also enjoyable.

The Benefits of Dietary Diversity

Since different foods, while sometimes having some overlap, generally have varying quantities of particular nutrients. The nutritional benefits of getting enough vitamins and minerals pervade every aspect of life:

• Enhanced immune function
• Longer lifespan
• Improved gut health
• Higher training performance
• Better sleep
• Increased mental capacity

And this is only the tip of the iceberg.

Practical Tips for Increasing Dietary Variety

Some examples of using variety to eat well include:

• Eat the rainbow! Regularly cycle through fruits and vegetables of different colors, as each color represents unique nutrients.
• Experiment with different grains like quinoa, bulgur, and barley, and experiment with different legumes, including chickpeas and lentils.
• Consume different protein sources by alternating between different meats and birds, fish, eggs, and plant proteins like tempeh and tofu.
• Use herbs and spices. Not only do they inject meals with flavor without adding calories, but they also help foods provide additional health benefits.

Nutritional Variety in Special Diets

Variety is also crucial for nutritional quality in different diets, with vegetarians and vegans being the two key examples requiring such attention. For vegetarians and vegans, eating various protein sources means they get all of their essential amino acids. It is not difficult to get a lack of key nutrients if one is not deliberate about getting variety.

In Conclusion

Consuming a variety of foods is essential to a healthy body because it helps the body have plenty of nutrients to utilize for all types of functions.

Regardless of the quality of food you’re already eating or particular eating preferences, eating a diverse range of foods will take your health to the next level.