3 Things to Help YouGet Through the COVID19 Crisis

We think it’s safe to say that nobody envisioned a summer like this one. Back in March, most of us thought that COVID-19 would be long gone by now. And yet, here we are still wearing masks and social distancing, wondering when – and if – we’ll be able to resume our former lives.

Getting through this challenging time is hard but not impossible by any means. Here we’re sharing three things you can do to help make it manageable.

Take Care of Yourself Physically

The threat of catching it COVID-19 is still very real. You need to stay vigilant about protecting yourself. As you’ve heard a million times by now, wear a mask in public, keep your distance from others, and wash your hands.

With summer here, it’s tempting to loosen up on some of the social distancing rules. Lots of people love to entertain in the summertime, which you can still do in a socially distanced way. Instead of hosting indoors, keep social events outside and limit the number of people. If you have people over, make sure you have hand sanitizer, gloves, and antibacterial wipes handy for guests. If you’re attending a get-together, it’s good to bring gloves and hand sanitizer just to be safe.

Aside from taking those precautions, you should also focus on taking care of your immune system. Having a strong immune system can help make you less susceptible to contracting COVID-19. Eating healthy foods loaded with vitamins and minerals can help boost your body’s defense. Our blog has several articles with advice on how to eat healthier for you to check out for reference. Exercising and getting good sleep are also vital parts of protecting your immune system.

Take Care of Yourself Emotionally

We’re living through a very turbulent time, so it’s normal to feel anxious or stressed. It’s important to be mindful of your emotional and mental wellbeing because stress can take a toll on your immune system. Not only that, but going through the motions every day is that much harder if you’re feeling down. There are a lot of free and relatively simple ways to take care of your mental health. Many people find meditation, journaling, yoga, and exercise help reduce stress, improve their mood, and quell anxiety. It can also help to confide in a friend or family member to share what you’re feeling and experiencing.

Self-care has become a wellness buzzword, but don’t let that fool you to think it’s just a silly trend. Prioritize care for your emotional health the way you do your physical health. You don’t need to book a stay at an expensive wellness retreat to practice self-care. Practicing self-care means making yourself and your wellness a priority. This could be anything from taking a nap, watching a good movie, soaking in the tub, treating yourself to a favorite snack, or going for a walk on a beautiful trail. Really, it means doing something that will make you feel good emotionally and/or physically. You’ll be surprised to see how much better you feel and how much easier it is to manage stress when you do little things to care for yourself.

Take Care of Others

We’re all in this struggle together. Now more than before, we need to show up for people. Caring for others doesn’t mean you have to donate tons of time or money. Small, thoughtful gestures go a long way. Reach out to friends and family members to make sure they’re doing well and lend your ear to them if they’re having a hard time. Doing this means the world to someone struggling. If you have people in your life who aren’t doing well – either physically or emotionally – think of little things you can do to cheer them up and show your support. Offer to run an errand for them, surprise them with a homemade treat, or find another way to show them that you care.

Take your kindness outside of your inner circle and see how you can extend it to your community. A lot of small and local businesses have taken a significant financial hit; giving them your business is one of the nicest things you can do to support your community. In addition to your patronage, support businesses by being patient, kind, and expressing gratitude to employees.

Another way to care for your community is to help the most vulnerable. Donating time, money or goods to local non-profits can help support the people who have been most affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Don’t think you can’t make a difference if you only have a small amount to contribute – every penny, minute, and item you can spare counts and add up over time.

Getting through this pandemic is a group effort. We’re all in the same boat, including us here at Rainbow Restaurant, just trying to do our best to stay positive and make it through. We hope this post was helpful for you. If you’ve found any handy tricks for navigating COVID-19, please comment to share with us.

The next time you are in the area, drop on by for some delicious curbside pickup foods.  Currently serving breakfast and dinner for limited hours.  Give us a call or simply order online!

Add Value to Your Community with – Rainbow Restaurant

Everyone is going through a lot right now. Between the devastation of the coronavirus outbreak, increasing unemployment and financial uncertainty, and the recent racial violence, so many of us are hurting. Instead of letting these ongoing challenges and hardships make us feel helpless and hopeless, we need to realize that we do have some power to enact change. At Rainbow Restaurant we feel strongly that we all have the potential to make our local communities better. Taking action doesn’t have to require a lot of time or donating tons of money. Small actions can build up to greater change over time. Here are a few easy ways that you can provide value to your local community each and every day.

1. Be kind to strangers

Small acts of kindness can brighten someone’s day and leave a lasting impact on their life. Show strangers kindness every day. Say hello to people, give compliments, let someone ahead of you in line – all of these little gestures are so easy but are thoughtful and meaningful.

2. Write positive reviews

Lots of small businesses have taken a big hit after being shut down for so long. Customers rely on reviews and ratings to help them decide on the stores they shop at and the restaurants where they eat. Writing positive reviews for your favorite locally owned businesses on Yelp, Google and Trip Advisor can help these establishments build up their customer base and it only takes a few minutes.

3. Clean up litter 

Try to make it a habit of picking up litter whenever you see it on the street. Carry disposable gloves or plastic bags with you when you go out to make it easier. Getting trash off of the street makes your community look nicer and also helps protect the environment and animals.

4. Recycle all the time

Landfills are overflowing and a lot of garbage ends up in oceans and other water sources, causing pollution and killing wildlife. Recycling is an easy, impactful habit to adopt. Every time you drink from a bottle or can or open a box or plastic container, make sure you recycle it afterward. 

5. Say please and thank you

A lot of people are so busy hustling and bustling through their own lives that they forget about manners. Always say please when you ask for things or order and remember to say thank you.

6. Use alternate forms of transportation

This may not be possible for you to do daily, but try using other forms of transportation that are green or help reduce carbon emissions as often as possible. Try biking, walking, or jogging instead of driving. If you’re traveling a longer distance or aren’t able to do those forms of physical activity, consider public transportation or carpooling. We unrolled our Bucks for Biking program in 2018 where we pay our staff members every time they bike (or walk, take the bus, carpool, etc. to work). It’s been a really effective program and our employees love it, and we love helping lower greenhouse gases.

7. Shop local

Shopping local helps stimulate your local economy. Try to shop local as often as possible. Get groceries at the local market instead of a chain supermarket, buy books from a small bookshop instead of Barnes & Noble, and get your morning coffee from a cafe instead of Starbucks.

8. Help seniors

Lend a helping hand to seniors in your community. Offer to pick up groceries or prescriptions for elderly neighbors so that they don’t have to go out, bring in their mail, or mow their lawn. When you’re out, let them cut in front of you in line at the store. 

9. Tip generously

Wage-earners like servers, bartenders, hairdressers, manicurists, etc. have been greatly affected by COVID-19 as many of them have been unable to work for months. Some still aren’t able to work now. When possible, leave as generous of a tip as you can. A few extra dollars can help make a difference and add up over time.

10. Educate yourself about local issues

What issues are going on in your local community? Make it a point to educate yourself on the problems at hand and learn how you can help. Be an ally to those in need and push yourself to have tough conversations about things like racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, and other forms of injustice.

These acts don’t take significant time, effort, or money. If you and everyone around you were to adopt these into daily life, your community could transform quickly and significantly. Don’t think that your actions don’t have the power to create positive change and make sure that you continue looking for ways to make your community a better place.

Simple Food Swaps for a Healthier Diet

Ever since we opened, our mission has been to squash the commonly held misconceptions that eating healthy is boring and difficult. These myths trap so many people in a habit of unhealthy living. We’re here to turn that around and show you that switching to a more nutritious diet isn’t so hard and can introduce you to a whole new world of flavors and textures.

Healthy diet changes don’t always have to be a complete 180° lifestyle change. You may be surprised to learn that there are a bunch of easy little food swaps that can set you on the path to better eating. Here are a few simple tweaks to your diet that over time can have a big impact on your health and wellness.

Craving potato chips? Opt for nuts

The one bad thing about snacking is that it can add hundreds of calories to your diet without you even realizing it. Potato chips are one of the most popular snack foods, and unfortunately, since they’re so salty they’re dangerously easy to binge. It starts with just a handful of chips and before you know it you’ve polished off an entire family-size bag! If you want a salty, crunchy snack, try salted nuts. They don’t have the same high sodium levels that potato chips have but they do share the yummy salty flavor. While potato chips are deep-fried and therefore bad for heart health, nuts are loaded with healthy fats and vitamins that keep your body and immune system strong.

Want a sandwich? Order a wrap

Sandwiches are a lunchtime staple because they’re easy to throw together and there are tons of different options. The drawback is that sandwiches are high in carbs, which is a problem for people with high blood sugar or those trying to watch their weight. Switching to a wrap is an easy way to cut down on carbs while still enjoying the deliciousness of your favorite sandwiches. We have several wraps on your lunch menu, and we promise that they’ll leave you feeling full and satisfied, and you won’t be missing your sandwich bread at all.

Are you a juice drinker? Eat the real thing instead

It’s easy to see why people love fruit juice. Juice is sweet, refreshing, and easy to drink. Fruits are an important part of our diet because of their vitamins and minerals, but these health benefits are overshadowed by added sugar that’s found in most processed, store-bought juices. The added sugar in juice makes it addictive, so it’s hard for most of us to only have one glass. You’re better off eating your fruits instead of buying juice. You’ll get to taste the same sweet, delicious flavors while avoiding unnecessary sugar. It’s best to stick with fresh, seasonal fruit, which is why we love our fruit platter appetizer. It makes it easy for you to enjoy a variety of the season’s freshest fruits.

Do you love pasta? Switch to whole wheat

Let’s face it – sometimes we need to treat ourselves and indulge in the foods we love. It’s okay to do this from time to time! Life is too short to eat junk all the time, but it’s also too short to deprive yourself of your favorite treats. If you’re craving pasta, opt for whole wheat instead. Regular noodles made from white flour are a carb and calorie bomb with few nutritional benefits. Whole wheat pasta, on the other hand, is higher in fiber and has fewer carbs and calories. When you cook up your favorite pasta dish, go for whole wheat noodles instead for a tasty, guilt-free meal.

Hopefully sharing these easy food swaps has shown you that eating healthy is possible and doesn’t have to be complicated. These changes are easy to adopt in your daily life and make into daily habits. Keep following our blog to learn more about healthy eating and wellness.

Please be sure to like us on Facebook to keep up with all the latest happenings around the restaurant.

Keeping Cars Off-road With the Bucks for Biking Program

For years, we’ve been known as Fort Collins’s go-to spot for tasty, nutritious food. But did you also know that in addition to keeping the city healthy, we’re also committed to making it greener?

We believe that it’s important to do our part in fighting the battle against climate change, which is why we unrolled our Bucks for Biking program in 2018. We pay Rainbow staff members every time they bike – or walk, take the bus, carpool, skateboard, etc. – to work. Our goal for this initiative is three-pronged. For one, it lowers the city’s carbon footprint. Most of our employees live within a few miles of the restaurant, but we estimate that Bucks for Biking can eliminate around 1500 miles from Fort Collins roads per year for each person who utilizes the program. This just goes to show that making small daily changes can create a lasting impact and that living a more eco-friendly lifestyle doesn’t have to be complicated or inconvenient. 

Secondly, we love that the program provides our team with a healthy incentive not to drive and rewards them for their sustainability efforts. Positive reinforcement is an incredibly effective way to initiate change. The proof lies in the fact that about one-third of our staff participates in Bucks for Biking each month. And lastly, the initiative benefits our customers. We encourage everyone to take public transportation, carpool, or use a C02-free form of transportation like walking or biking. However, we also understand that’s not possible for all. Driving is the only option for some people, like those with physical handicaps or seniors. Bucks for Biking leaves more room in our parking lot for our customers who need the space.

We’re proud that sustainability is central to our restaurant’s mission. Many people are under the misconception that going green requires drastic changes or is complicated. We hope that by sharing this story, people realize that caring for the environment can be as simple as biking to work, carrying a reusable water bottle, or bringing a tote bag to the grocery store. Remember, every little contribution to taking care of the planet adds up to create an impact larger than just yourself. Hopefully, more businesses in Fort Collins, Colorado, and the world follow in suit to make their communities greener.

At Rainbow Restaurant, we make it a priority to better our environment. The next time you are out on your bike stop in and say hi. Our patio will be opening soon and our Garden Harvest omelette is calling your name. See you soon…

5 Immunity Boosting Foods To Avoid Colds

It’s that time of year again where it seems like everywhere you turn, people are coughing and sneezing. Coming down with a cold or catching the flu is no fun and can set you back in your already busy schedule. Frequently washing your hands, disinfecting shared surfaces, and limiting contact with people you know are sick can help keep you healthy. For added immune system protection, you should take a holistic approach – healing yourself from the inside out. Certain foods, and diets like the Rainbow Diet can strengthen your immune system to prevent you from catching colds or the flu. Here are some of the best foods to stay healthy this cold/flu season. 

Citrus fruits  

Vitamin C is a go-to supplement that many people reach for when they feel like they’re coming down with something – and for a good reason. It can help increase the production of white blood cells, which helps ward off infections. Citrus fruits are chock full of vitamin C and are easy to add to your diet. To stop a cold in its track and prevent getting sick altogether, try eating more oranges, clementines, and grapefruit. Rainbow tip: Order a glass of OJ with your breakfast or ask your server to bring you a few lemon slices to add to your water.

Garlic

Garlic is more than just a pungent, flavorful herb. For centuries, people have used garlic for healing purposes. The sulfur-containing compounds in garlic can help your white blood cells fight off viruses. Garlic also has powerful antibacterial properties, which further help keep your immune system strong. Rainbow tip: We use garlic to season many of our dishes. Ask your server to recommend a few options for you to order.

Sweet Potatoes

These tasty tubers are loaded with beta carotene, which turns into vitamin A. Vitamin A is one of the best things you can consume for strengthening the immune system and preventing sickness. Sweet potatoes also contain vitamin C, which we already know is a potent immunity booster. Rainbow tip: Order our Ultimate Latkes or Sweet Potato Burrito to get your daily fill of vitamins A and C.

Ginger

Ginger is another well-known medicinal food. A great anti-inflammatory, ginger can reduce the swelling and irritation of a sore throat. The vitamins in ginger, including iron, zinc, magnesium, and calcium, are also effective at combating cold and flu symptoms. Rainbow tip: Try our house-made ginger ale.

Chicken

There’s a legitimate reason for why many of us want a bowl of chicken soup when we’re feeling under the weather. The vitamin B-6 in chicken helps your body generate new red blood cells, which help keep your system in fighting shape during cold and flu season. Additionally, chicken bone broth is beneficial for gut health. Many doctors believe that a healthy gut is the foundation for a robust immune system – so all the more reason to eat more chicken soup! Rainbow tip: Order our Mandarin Salad with grilled chicken to load up on vitamins C and B-6.

At Rainbow Restaurant, our goal is to serve our customers food that nourishes the body while satisfying cravings. You’ll find that our menu has delicious meals made with healthy ingredients. If you’re looking for a spot to grab a bite to eat where you can know that you’re fueling your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to stay healthy, you’ve found the right place.

Five Superfoods for Your Diet

It’s no secret that our diets play a major role in our health, and that some foods are more nutritious than others.  In fact, some foods are so superior that they’re referred to as superfoods. What makes them super? The fact that they’re chock-full of some of the best vitamins, minerals, and proteins.  You may think that only a small group of foods are worthy of the superfood title, but there are actually many to eat and choose from. With that said, here are five of our favorites that you should be eating as often as possible.

Spinach

Popeye was onto something.  Spinach tops our list because it’s one of the most nutrient-dense foods, with Vitamins A, K1, C, and B6, as well as iron, folic acid, and calcium – just to name a few.  Additionally, it’s a bountiful source of antioxidants. If you didn’t know, antioxidants attack free radicals in the body which can help slow down the aging process as well as ward off cancers.  Many of us don’t get enough magnesium and potassium in our diets, and spinach has these minerals as well. Spinach isn’t just for salad and dip. You can find it in several of our dishes, including our Tempeh Sauté, Green Eggs & Ham, and Garden Fresh Quesadilla. 

Blueberries

Yup, the berries you grew up eating in your pancakes are indeed a superfood.  As we already said, antioxidants are important for delaying physical and visible signs of aging in addition to preventing diseases.  Blueberries happen to have one of the highest levels of antioxidants, making them extremely healthy. The antioxidants found in blueberries help improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of heart disease.  Another benefit of blueberries is their sweet taste which makes eating them feel like a treat. Despite their sweetness, they have less sugar than many other fruits. When blueberries are in season, you can find them on our fruit garnishes, Groatmeal, and Seasonal Fruit Plate.     

Quinoa

You may be surprised to see a grain on this list.  Today’s diet culture has trained us to assume that all carbs are the enemy.  While it’s true that some carbs (like refined white grains) are unhealthy, quinoa isn’t one of them.  Unlike white rice or pasta which are simple carbohydrates with less nutritional value, quinoa has fiber, vitamins, and minerals.  And not only is quinoa a source of protein, but it’s a complete protein, meaning that it has all nine essential amino acids. Many carbs are high on the glycemic index, which means that they quickly cause blood sugar levels to spike.  Because of its low glycemic index, quinoa is great for diabetics or anyone concerned about their blood sugar levels. Want to give quinoa a try? Our Hot Quinoa & Wild Rice Salad and Guacamole Veggie Burger are two yummy options! You can also sub it for a starchy side dish in most of our meals. 

Green Tea

Not only does green tea look cool in your coffee cup, but it also has tons of medicinal benefits.  Green tea is rich in polyphenols, which are micronutrients packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.  If you’re a coffee drinker, you may want to consider trading your daily cup of joe for a green tea instead. It has less caffeine than coffee, so it won’t make you as jittery.  Paired with the amino acid L-theanine – which is also in green tea – you’ll have better mental focus. For anyone looking to lose weight, green tea helps increase fat burning and boost metabolism.  It’s a tasty addition to any breakfast meal and a great way to start your day.

Avocado

Who doesn’t love avocado?  Avocados have gotten a lot of buzz over the past few years, and rightfully so.  They have omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C, E, K, and several minerals. Plus, they’re low in carbs for anyone who is on a ketogenic or low-carb diet.  Outdated diets have demonized fats, but people are finally coming to realize that healthy fats exist – and avocado is one of them. The fats in avocados are good for heart health and are anti-inflammatory.  Avocados also contain antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin which benefit eye health and decreases risk of cataracts. Our Garden Harvest omelette and Pesto BLT are just two of our dishes that have avocado.

Healthy food is central to our mission at the Rainbow Restaurant in Fort Collins, which is why you can find all five of these superfoods – and many others! – on our menu.  Nutritious meals don’t have to be boring and bland. Nourishing fruits, veggies, grains, and meats can be turned into flavorful, delicious meals. In fact, we do it every day.  

4 Ways to Sneak More Veggies in Your Diet

In a perfect world, vegetables would taste as delicious as sweets and junk food. We’d all be healthier and happier with stronger immune systems. Sadly, we don’t live in that world. Instead, we live in one in which many of us don’t eat enough veggies. A 2017 study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that 90% of Americans don’t eat the recommended daily amount of vegetables and fruits.

It can be hard to get yourself to eat enough produce. Veggies expire faster than processed foods do, can be more expensive, and don’t taste like your favorite dessert. However, our bodies need some plant-based sustenance each day to ensure that we get an adequate amount of vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants. Fruits and vegetables also have tons of health benefits such as boosting the immune system, regulating blood pressure, and maintaining digestive health. And while a bowl of ice cream may feel like it’s making you feel better in the moment, it won’t prevent the risk of strokes and heart attacks or ward off certain cancers.

Eating healthier doesn’t have to be a miserable experience. You can eat more than just salad. Here are some easy ways to boost your veggie intake.

Make nutritious breakfast smoothies

Many doctors recommend starting the day with a serving of greens, which is where smoothies come in handy. You can add healthy greens like kale, spinach, and celery to your shake. Adding in fruits will sweeten the drink, and you won’t taste the bitterness of the vegetables. Apples, bananas, berries, and pineapples are great fruit add-ins for some sweetness. The best thing about smoothies is that there are endless combinations of fruits and veggies to cater to your taste.  

Swap carbs for cauliflower

Cauliflower has become increasingly popular in recent years. It can be a substitute for some of our favorite starches like rice, bread, pizza, and potatoes. Most supermarkets carry riced cauliflower and cauli crusts to save you the time of making your own. Since cauliflower has become such a massive trend, you can find tons of easy recipes online. Plus, it’s a low-calorie food which makes it a good option for weight loss.       

Add more veggies to every meal

Making a 180° diet change can be hard to maintain. Most people end up feeling bummed that they have to eliminate their favorite foods, which is ultimately why a lot of diets fail. If you’re creative, you can add vegetables to the go-to meals that you know and love. If you love pasta, toss it with a tomato sauce loaded with onions, zucchini, and carrots. Or, make a pasta primavera with squash, peppers, broccoli, and other fresh veggies. Bonus points if you replace wheat pasta for zucchini or carrot noodles! For breakfast, add diced veggies to your egg scrambles or omelets. The possibilities are endless and you’ll find that adding vegetables to every meal is easier than you think. Try following the rainbow food diet to add lots of variety.

Load up on vegetable-based soups

Who doesn’t love a thick, creamy soup? They’re absolutely delicious but usually lack any nutritional value. You can make them healthier by using veggies instead of milk or cream. Try roasting and sautéing butternut squash or sweet potato for the soup’s base. The soup will have the same flavor and lusciousness as the dairy-based original, but with vitamins and fiber.

Eating a healthier diet with a hearty amount of vegetables is easier than you think. As you incorporate more produce into your daily diet, you’ll find that your taste buds can change and find veggies to be tastier than ever before. Bell peppers and carrots will eventually taste sweeter, and over time you won’t crave sweets and starches as much. Try eating vegetables with every meal every day. Your body will thank you.

The next time you are looking for more veggies try our Fresh Squeezed Carrot Juice. Looking for something with a little more substance? Ask for our Strawberry Banana Smoothie with a carrot added…yeah we can do that! At the Rainbow Restaurant we serve healthy meals and drink options. Come on by and taste the difference.