I Don’t Like Purple

By, Robyn Latman, Esq.

 

There, I said it.  I don’t like purple.  Maybe that’s an odd thing for an adult to say. I don’t care. It’s true. Purple is not my favorite color. It’s not even in my top three. What can I say? I do not like purple. Don’t get me started on lilac. To seal purple’s fate, the smell of lavender makes me gag. Yes, those innocent-seeming sachets that I begrudgingly allow to protect my cashmere sweater drawers make my nose twitch.

Purple, you are out.

Back in elementary school, I’m pretty sure that I loved purple. Purple was different, purple was unique, purple wasn’t the obvious first choice for favorite color because it wasn’t one of the three stars of the primary color wheel. Red, blue, yellow, we see you. 

Everything changed for me when other kids started deciding that their favorite color was purple, too. No thank you. And, with that, purple was off my radar.

But, I’m here to tell you that the offending color might squeeze its way back into my heart through food. Purple, there’s hope for you, yet. That’s right, eggplants, blackberries, blueberries, plums, purple carrots, purple cauliflower and purple potatoes are melting my heart.

Often, I make a purple breakfast smoothie.   Milk (in whatever form you prefer), berries (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries – in any combination), frozen banana, nut butter and ice.  Some cocoa powder makes a nice addition, as does Greek yogurt.  Want to hide some greens in there?  Try a handful of spinach.  Blend and enjoy. 

If your mornings are rushed, and all you have time to do before running out your house or apartment door is to grab a piece of fruit to go, you can whip up a batch and store your smoothies in the fridge so that they are ready to go when you are. These are great to take to work or for an after the gym snack.  Smoothies are delicious at any time, really. 

So, what is it about purple foods that endear them to me so?

Purple foods contain anthocyanins – chemicals that protect your cells and heal your body. These special chemicals promote eye and heart health, and they prevent cancer cells from multiplying. Purple foods are filled with powerful antioxidants and have anti-aging benefits. Couldn’t we all use some of that?

In a world that keeps us stressed out and on the go, the magic of purple can brighten our days. 

What purple foods will you add to your next meal?