23 Ways to Eat Better

Most of us know we should be eating more produce each day (at least five servings, we're contractually obligated to tell you). But it also seems that our produce palate is about as exciting as a pair of basic khakis. According to a recent study based on government nutritional data, we're coming up short in terms of eating a variety of fruit and vegetable colors: Sixty-nine percent of Americans don't get enough green; 78 percent don't get enough red; 86 percent don't get enough white; 88 percent don't get enough purple/blue; and 79 percent don't get enough yellow/orange. We tend to eat the same produce over and over again.

This skew toward bland means we're missing out on a lot more than just good-tasting food. "There are unique phytochemicals, or plant chemicals, that vary from color to color. These various compounds all do different things to protect your health. If you're eating only red bell peppers, you're going to be limited as far as health benefits because you're not getting all those other colors," says David Grotto, R.D., author of 101 Optimal Life Foods.

When it comes to selecting produce, there's no one tint that rises above the rest. "We need the full spectrum. That's why we're omnivores," Grotto says. Here's what each hue brings you.