Purple Rain: Eat These Colors To Stave Off Disease 🫐🍇🍆

At least there's no debate over eating more vegetables...

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4 min read

WELL ON HEELS

Saluting another badass lady doing good things for our bodies—Emily McCarthy is a former case officer for the CIA who, together with her husband, a former Green Beret, co-founded the GORUCK company with the mission to “inspire, challenge, and equip people to ruck up with friends and embrace the suck.” Their vision is to get folks training to prepare for LIFE, and the forecast suggests that rucking (AKA walking with weights) will be bigger than running. So yeah no biggie, she’s not only protecting our national security but she’s helping raise a veritable army of strong bodies in the name of of living healthier lives. You may have noticed I’m a fan of this practice and this company. Why? ‘Cuz carry heavy things and live longer, it’s that simple. Special offer for readers: Use the code JUSTKEEPRUCKIN for 20% off all Ruckers, Ruck Plate Carriers and footwear products, expires 7/5!

FLAW OF ATTRACTION

“Perfection simply doesn’t exist…..Without imperfection, neither you nor I would exist” — Stephen Hawking

Fun fact: perfectionism falls into three distinct categories (even MORE ways to win!): socially prescribed (believing that they are expected to perform at a high level), other-oriented (high standards, critical and judgmental of others), and self-oriented (tending towards self-criticism, pressure to be The Best). Hands up if any of this hits. 🙋🏻‍♀️

Perfectionism and its more insidious twin, fear of failure, are debilitating traits that can paralyze us into not making choices, not taking risks and ultimately sitting on the sidelines of our own lives. But some comfort for those who resonate with this- turns out, as much as we root for an underdog, we LOVE the imperfectionists even more. The Pratfall Effect is based on a study indicating that as a society, we respond more positively to those who are highly competent and also make mistakes and fumbles. It humanizes us—sort of like how Brad Pitt has food in his mouth in every movie he’s ever done. (Try and unsee it)

For more on imperfectionism, two recent podcast episodes to check out while you’re checking in:

• My reminder to stop Shoulding all over yourself with this Tuesday Tidbit

• Practicing the Art of Self-Compassion with Dr Kristin Neff

HERE’S A TIP, MAKE THE CHANGE

While we are suffering through some majorly swampy weather, an important reminder to stay hydrated—drink water, take electrolytes, and eat fresh fruits and veggies, loaded with water. You’ve likely heard the recommendation to “eat the rainbow” and while many fruits and veggies call to mind the reds and greens, let’s not forget our Indigos and Violets—foods that are purple and blue in color are high in anthocyanins, a natural chemical associated with high concentrations of antioxidants, which combat high blood pressure, stave off neurological disease and reduce the risk of heart disease. Best sources of anythocyanins include pretty much everything found in the summer garden:

• Black plums, blood oranges, cherries, black and red grapes and pomegranates

• Red cabbage, red radishes, purple cauliflower, purple corn and purple eggplant

Photo by Kristen Kaethler on Unsplash

🍇 Stay cool, eat the rainbow and paid subscribers read on to be my weekend lover. No newsletter next week, Happy 4th! 🇺🇸 🎆

TOSSED SALADS AND SCRAMBLED EGGS

Throwing all this purple-y goodness into another recipe from my healthy table to yours!