Lunch Time Smarts

You’re wearing sunscreen, but did you know that your lunch can also help protect you from the sun’s rays?

Certain foods, according to researchers, help ward off sun damage and also help prevent all types of cancer. When you’re packing your picnic lunch, or your work-day lunch, look to foods rich in the color spectrum, including red (lycopene) and orange (beta-carotene) as much as possible. A handful of grapes will give you resveratrol (as will a glass of wine, if that’s in the cards). Each of these nutrients helps prevent aging-related issues by reducing chronic inflammation, which has been linked to cancer as well as heart disease.

Ready to get started? Here are our favorite red, orange, and purple recipes- recipes that are easy to take with you, wherever this sunny day leads.

Red:
Broccoli, Tomato & Watercress Salad
Edamame Salad with Farro, Spinach and Tomatoes
Watermelon Gazpacho

Orange:
Fire Grilled Vegetable Risotto with Quinoa
Carrot Walnut Pate:

Purple:
Grilled Chicken and Red Grape Pita
Golden Door Oatmeal (contains raisins)