Category: Blog

5 Things To Do In Fort Collins, Colorado This Weekend

Fort Collins is a beautiful city in northern Colorado. It’s a great place to live, work, and play. There are many things to do in Fort Collins, and here are just a few of them.

1. Hiking and Biking trails abound in Fort Collins. There are over 200 miles of trails in the city, so you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for you. From easy trails for a leisurely stroll to more challenging trails for an adventurous hike, there’s something for everyone. And don’t forget your bike! Fort Collins is a great place to ride, with plenty of trails and paths to explore.

2. The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is a great place to learn about the history of the area and see some amazing exhibits. From dinosaurs to early humans to the modern day, there’s something for everyone at the museum.

3. For those who love the outdoors, Rocky Mountain National Park is just a short drive from Fort Collins. With hiking, camping, fishing, and more, there’s plenty to do in the park. And don’t forget to take in the beautiful scenery!

4. If you’re looking for some fun nightlife, Old Town Fort Collins is the place to be. With bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops, there’s something for everyone in Old Town. And on warm summer nights, you can enjoy live music outdoors at one of the many concerts in the park.

5. For a taste of local culture, check out the Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra or take in a show at the Lincoln Center. There’s also plenty of art to see at the Museum of Art and History or the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area Visitors Center.

Fort Collins is a great city with plenty to do. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, nightlife, or cultural experiences, you’ll find it all here. So come on down and enjoy all that Fort Collins has to offer!

When you visit Fort Collins, be sure to stop into Rainbow for some healthy food and good drinks!

What is Clean Eating?

Clean eating is an approach to food that focuses on consuming whole, unprocessed foods. This means eating foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. For example, rather than eating a processed food like a frozen pizza, you would instead opt for a homemade pizza made with fresh ingredients.

The clean eating movement has gained popularity in recent years as more and more people become interested in living healthier lifestyles. While there is no one-size-fits-all definition of clean eating, there are some general principles that most people who follow this approach to nutrition adhere to.

In general, clean eaters focus on consuming whole, unprocessed foods. This means eating foods that are as close to their natural state as possible.

Clean eaters also typically avoid or limit their intake of refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and processed meats. Instead, they focus on getting their nutrients from healthy sources such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

There are many benefits of clean eating. This approach to nutrition can help you lose weight, gain energy, and improve your overall health. Additionally, following a clean diet can help reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

If you’re interested in trying clean eating, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First, start slowly and make small changes to your diet. This will help you stick to your new way of eating and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Second, don’t be afraid to experiment with new recipes and foods. There are endless possibilities when it comes to clean eating, so find what works for you and have fun with it!

Give clean eating a try and we are sure you will love it.  At Rainbow we have many clean eating dishes.  Check out our menu above or stop in for some clean, wholesome breakfast or lunch.

5 Ways To Eat Clean This Holiday Season

Maintaining a healthy diet during the holidays can be difficult with all of the tempting sweets and savory dishes around. If you’re looking to stay on track this season, here are five tips to help you eat clean and enjoy the holidays at the same time!

1. Avoid Processed Foods As Much As Possible.

The holiday season is full of temptations, but one of the best ways to avoid overindulging is by steering clear of processed foods. Most processed foods are high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, which can quickly lead to weight gain. When you’re at holiday parties or family gatherings, fill your plate with fresh fruits and vegetables instead of opting for the chips and dip. By making smart choices like this, you’ll be able to stick to your healthy eating goals and enjoy the holiday season guilt-free!

2. Don’t Forget About Breakfast!

Skipping breakfast is a common mistake people make when trying to eat clean. They think that by avoiding food in the morning, they’ll be less likely to overeat later in the day. However, this isn’t the case! Skipping breakfast can actually lead to overeating later on because you’ll be so starved by lunchtime. Instead of skipping breakfast, try to eat a nutritious meal in the morning like oatmeal with fruit or eggs and toast. This will give you energy throughout the day and help you resist any tempting holiday snacks.

3. Drink Plenty Of Water.

It’s important to stay hydrated during the holidays because all of the rich food can be hard on your digestive system. Drinking lots of water will help keep you regular and prevent indigestion. It’s also a good way to regulate your appetite; sometimes when we think we’re hungry, we’re really just thirsty! So next time you’re feeling peckish at a holiday party, reach for a glass of water before heading for the snacks.

4. Get Active When You Can.

The holidays are a busy time for everyone, but it’s important to try to get some exercise whenever you can fit it into your schedule. Taking a brisk walk after dinner is a great way to burn off some extra calories and get some fresh air at the same time. If you can’t seem to find time for a workout, try parking further away from stores or taking the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible. Small choices like these will add up over time and help you stay active during the hectic holiday season!

5. Don’t Beat Yourself Up If You Indulge Every Once In Awhile.

Remember that it’s okay to indulge in your favorite holiday treats every once in awhile! Depriving yourself completely will only make you crave those sweets even more. If you do overindulge on occasion, don’t spend the rest of the day beating yourself up about it; just get back on track with your next meal or snack. Staying positive is key to maintaining a healthy diet during the holidays!

The holiday season is full of delicious food and tempting sweets, which makes it easy to fall off the wagon when it comes to eating healthy. However, by following these five tips, you’ll be able to stick to your healthy eating goals and enjoy the holidays at the same time! Just remember that moderation is key; indulging in your favorite holiday treat every once in awhile is perfectly normal (and totally worth it!).

Happy holidays!

Seven Ways You Can Help Fort Collins in 2021

The year 2020 has brought many people many issues. Topping the list, of course, is the virus that killed thousands, infected millions, and affected the lives of nearly every American. As we move the clock forward and look ahead to the new year, it is a great time to view how we can help our community. Fort Collins has always been here for us; now is a great time to give back and support our beloved community. There are different ways we can accomplish this.

  1. You might consider becoming a “Virtual Volunteer.” If you have a heavy work schedule or if you have other reasons you would like to help from home, the door is wide open. Many businesses in Fort Collins will welcome you. For example, you might volunteer with a non-profit to help write a monthly newsletter. Another idea is that you offer to edit a local business video to help them promote their company. Just put on your thinking cap, evaluate your strong abilities, and offer your assistance.
  2. Fort Collins has many opportunities for you to become a mentor. You might check with a local school in your area and be assigned a child who needs just a little extra love and care to move up the ladder in his/her classroom. If you enjoy helping older people, you might visit a senior citizen community and find an elder who has no family and who could benefit from your attention. Invite the person to go out for a meal once in a while. Welcome the person to your home on special occasions. The possibilities are endless.
  3. If you enjoy working with youth, why not contact the Big Brother Big Sisters of Colorado, Inc. to volunteer your time. They have many children and youth in Fort Collins who need your attentiveness. Many of these young people live in a one-parent home, so your attention will not only brighten their life but also help them in many ways. Most of them improve in their classroom, while others improve with their behavior. All these youth needs is a little extra attention – and you can provide that for them.
  4. The residents of Fort Collins will love you if you organize a “Clean-Up Day.” You will need to plan a date, find a cause, and manage the volunteers. Although it sounds like a lot of work (which it is, but it’s well worth it), you can have several of the volunteers assist you in this project. You might find a park where you can clean up the debris or find a business that needs a storage room cleaned; you might find a school that requires the exterior painted. No matter what, there is always something that needs to be done in our community, and you can be the leader.
  5. If you have a group of friends who want to create a joint effort to help our community, why not organize a food or clothing drive. There are so many families in need. It can be offered at any time of the year. Food is always needed, and clothing is always so greatly appreciated. You will be surprised how many people in Fort Collins will join in volunteering to help in the drive, as well as donating food or clothing.
  6. You can include your entire family with a fun endeavor. It is quite simple. Find a large jar you have stored in your garage. Wash it, so it is clean and shines. Have a meeting with your family. Explain to them that everyone is going to contribute daily to fill that jar with coins. Each day, if several of you pitch in, the jar will be full in no time. Next, take your jar to a supermarket that offers a change machine to count your pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and half-dollars (maybe even a dollar here and there). You will be shocked when you see the total and realize your hard work paid off. Now it is time to have another family meeting. This is the fun part, to determine to whom you want to donate the money.
  7. Find a niche that meets your interests. It should be one that will offer you pleasant rewards. For example, if you love dogs, a local dog shelter will welcome you with open arms. You might need to clean their pens, fill the water bowls, wash the pets, or various other projects. However, you will be greatly rewarded by the licking and kisses the animals provide you. If you enjoy working with special needs students, you might volunteer at one of the programs offering activities. You might be asked to feed a child, serve meals, play ball outdoors, be a dance partner, or a variety of other tasks. Whatever you enjoy doing, there is a need for you to fill.

 

At Rainbow Restaurant, we understand the significance of family, friends, and keeping everyone safe. Order a tasty, healthful take out today. Aside from serving delicious meals, it is our goal to support other local businesses. We are grateful to those who support us. In 2021, we hope that many of our friends in the community will put forth the effort to continue to make Fort Collins the great city it has always been.

5 Ways to Enjoy the Holidays Safely this Year

With Thanksgiving behind us, it’s clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has put a damper on the holiday season, making it more difficult than ever to spend time with family and really enjoy the holidays and all of our favorite traditions. Christmas is around the corner, so you might be looking for creative, safe ways to get together with loved ones.

 Of course, not everyone will be adhering to social distancing guidelines. Maybe your family all work from home, or maybe you’ve all discussed the risks and are willing to take whatever precautions to be together for the holidays. Whatever you choose, just try to do it safely, and be respectful of those who have differing views.

If you’ve chosen to keep your immediate family distanced from any extended family, there are still plenty of ways to make the most of the season. We put together this list of fun alternatives to enjoy the festivities despite the lockdowns and social distancing precautions.

Enjoy Traditions you Can Still Safely Do

Instead of focusing on everything you can’t do this season, think about all the things you normally do, and do them anyway. Even if your dearest family members can’t be there to participate, keeping traditions alive will make this holiday season feel just as real as every other year.

Don’t skimp on decorations. In fact, go all out this year to really spread some holiday cheer. Even if you can’t share it with the whole crew, you’ll be happier having it around you.

If you have traditional meals you or a family member always make, indulge anyway. If it’s your grandmother’s recipe, this is a perfect time to try your hand replicating it.

Send Christmas cards. If that’s something you’ve never done before, this is the best time to start. Plus, since everyone is missing their families this year, they’d certainly appreciate pictures of the ones they’re missing.

No matter what, don’t let the things you’ll be missing out on get you down. Focus on the positive, and make the most out of it!

Enjoy Local Festivities Inspired by the Pandemic

We’re all in this together, and communities everywhere have rallied to create safe alternatives to some our favorite seasonal events and traditions.

Driving through town and looking at Christmas lights is a classic for families every year, and it’s a well-suited tradition for 2020. If you have kids that still want to visit with Santa, look for virtual alternatives, like JingleRing.

Christmas caroling, tree lighting, and other holiday events can be done with safe, social distancing measures as well. If you do choose to participate in any in-person events, be sure to take all precautions, like keeping 6-feet apart, wearing a mask, and washing your hands frequently.

For safe and festive shopping, check out one of the many outdoor or virtual markets throughout Denver this year.

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom

We’re all used to video conferencing technology by now, and if you aren’t, this holiday season is the perfect time to try it out.

 Grandparents can watch kids open gifts on Zoom; families can even enjoy a holiday feast together with the help of video calling; and families can feel together without actually being together. Seeing family is the most important part of any holiday celebration, so utilizing the tools and technology we have available will allow us all to make the most out of a nontraditional year.

Board games can be played over Zoom as well. Just order a copy of the game for each party that’ll be on the Zoom call, and enjoy a virtual board game night. Of course, this makes it hard to keep an eye on any sneaky cheaters in your family, but it can still be a fun time.

Bake Your Heart Out

Sweet treats are the second most important part of the holidays, right? You have to have an assortment to munch on all month long. Whenever you’re feeling down, bake up some holiday cheer in the form of sugar cookies, holiday cake pops, or pies.

And you can get your whole family involved too! (This would be another fun Zoom opportunity to include the grandparents or other extended family members in the fun.) Decorating cookies is a great holiday tradition. Making gingerbread houses can give you a supercharged dose of festivities, because nothing screams “Christmas” like decorating a gingerbread house.

Be Sure to Set Guidelines

Possibly one of the most challenging parts of this new holiday normal will be defining guidelines with family members. Not everyone may think it’s necessary to stay distant this year. Or older family members might be hurt that you’re unwilling to spend the holidays with them.

Make sure you’re having these conversations early and often. It’s important that everyone is on the same page. If you’re the only one uncomfortable with gathering, ask to be a part of the festivities through Zoom. And if you’ve got a family member who just doesn’t want to be away, have a conversation about risks and safe ways to be together.

All that matters is that you’re open and honest with each other, so everyone can find a way forward.

Look for Any Opportunity to Celebrate

We know that it’s going to be a tough year, no matter what. And that’s why it’s so important that we channel as much energy into celebrating as we can. Will the year look a lot different? Of course. But it’s going to be back to normal in no time, and we can spend the next year making up for all the lost time.

A fun way to celebrate with family can be to plan out your next holiday vacation. It might help ease the sense of loss by looking forward.

Write letters to family, start new traditions, and find joy in all the little things.

At Rainbow Restaurant, we know the importance of family and togetherness, as well as keeping your loved ones safe. Order a delicious, healthy takeout meal to share with your loved ones today.

7 Mood-Boosting Foods to Help Fight Seasonal Depression

mood-boosting foods

With winter just around the corner, seasonal mood changes are upon many of us. The days are shorter and we have fewer opportunities to get outside and soak up that much-needed Vitamin D. Plus, the holiday season brings its own set of stressors. Add to it all the scary uncertainty of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and we could all use a little pick-me-up.

A healthy lifestyle is an important aid to fighting off seasonal depression, however, it can be difficult to maintain as the weather gets colder and the holidays are upon us.

But it doesn’t have to be a challenge. There are many mood-boosting foods that contain essential vitamins and nutrients known for regulating and improving mood and reducing stress and anxiety.

Key Mood-Boosting Nutrients

There are several nutrients that can affect your mood in different ways. So whether you’re suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder or just feeling blue about the cold weather, it can be beneficial to incorporate foods rich in these compounds into your diet:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Vitamin B folates
  • Probiotics
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin C
  • Tryptophan
  • Amino acids

Here we’ve rounded up the best sources of these essential mood-boosting nutrients. These 7 foods have been shown to ward off depression. They’re easy to incorporate into your daily diet, and they’re all delicious! 

Fatty fish

Salmon and tuna are well-known for their health benefits. Rich in essential Omega-3 fatty acids, fatty fish can help reduce inflammation and blood pressure. But did you know they’ve also been shown to help fight depression and anxiety? In fact, studies have found that communities that generally consume more fatty fish have lower rates of depression.

In addition to the much-needed Omega-3s, fatty fish is also a great source of Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D, both of which are used to treat depression. 

Foods to eat:

  • Salmon
  • Tuna
  • Sardines
  • Anchovies
  • Mackerel

 

Leafy greens

Kale, spinach, chard, and their many cousins are growing in popularity because they pack a nutritional punch. But adding a regular dose of leafy greens to your diet can also help your mood.

For starters, they boost brain activity with the help of Vitamin B folates. People suffering from depression are proven to have low levels of these folates. And folate deficiency can inhibit your ability to metabolize dopamine, serotonin, and other mood-regulating neurotransmitters. 

Foods to eat:

  • Spinach
  • Artichokes
  • Okra
  • Turnip greens
  • Broccoli
  • Kale

Avocados

Avocado toast can officially be deemed a form of self-care. Because the addicting green fruit is another mood-boosting food that can help ward off depression. Full of essential vitamins, avocados promote the metabolism of key neurotransmitters that improve your mood and reduce stress. And with tons of fiber, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E, they’re a great, healthy addition to your daily diet.

Bell Peppers

These colorful peppers are loaded with Vitamin C, an antioxidant that’s been shown to help boost cognitive function and promote helpful neurotransmitters. Vitamin C can actually fight off depression and anxiety.

Fermented foods

Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter that helps your mood, and studies have found that the majority of it is produced in your digestive tract, not your brain! And probiotics, which promote gut health, are being found to actually fight depression.

Scientists are seeing a correlation between gut bacteria and mood, so load up on kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut, and dairy-free yogurt for those powerful probiotics.

Foods to eat:

  • Yogurt
  • Buttermilk
  • Sauerkraut
  • Kimchi
  • Miso
  • Tempeh
  • Pickled veggies
  • Kefir
  • Kombucha 

Nuts and seeds

A great source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, nuts and seeds are also mood-boosting foods, because they’re full of another key compound that can regulate your mood.

You’ve probably heard of tryptophan before – turkey is full of it. But nuts and seeds have it in abundance as well. Tryptophan is an amino acid that produces serotonin, a mood-boosting neurotransmitter.

In fact, a significant study over 10 years found that nut intake reduced the risk of depression by 23%.

Foods to eat:

  • Almonds
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Cashews
  • Walnuts
  • Sesame seeds
  • Peanuts
  • Chia seeds

Chocolate

It shouldn’t be a surprise that chocolate contains several compounds that can boost your mood. The sugar certainly helps charge your brain, but chocolate also releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. N-acylethanolamine, for example, is a substance similar to cannabinoids that’s known to improve your mood.

Chocolate’s highly pleasurable taste, smell, and texture have been proven to have an impact on mood as well, with its high hedonic rating. For a healthier option, try more dark chocolate. 

Tips for Adding Mood-Boosting Food to Your Diet 

  • Meal prep: Save time during the week and whip up big batches of food you can freeze to use later. Planning out your meals for the week will make it easier to find ways to incorporate these mood-boosting foods into your daily diet.
  • Make it a family goal: Getting everyone at home involved in a healthy eating initiative is a win-win scenario. It’s easier for you to consistently eat these essential foods, and your family reaps the healthy benefits alongside you.
  • One-pot meals: It doesn’t need to be fancy to be healthy. Keeping things simple will make it easier to stay consistent and eat more of these mood-boosting foods. Slow cookers and instant pots will be your friend.

Stay Healthy This Holiday Season

Taking care of your physical health is just as important as staying in shape mentally and emotionally. And what you put into your body matters. Don’t let the stress of the season get the best of you. Start adding these mood-boosting foods to your diet now to stay on track throughout the coming months, so you can start the new year off feeling great. 

Come enjoy a dish full of healthy, mood-boosting ingredients at Rainbow Restaurant today.

Simple Swaps to Shop Local More Often

The best way to support your local economy is to support the businesses and restaurants in your community, and one way to do that is to shop local! Here’s some ideas on how to do this.

Simple Swaps to Shop Local

Shopping locally helps create and secure jobs and keeps sales tax money in your area. However, we understand that shopping and eating local is easier said than done. We live in a world where so many of us are accustomed to ordering from Amazon and buying food and drinks from chain restaurants. We need to evaluate our spending habits to find ways to funnel more of our money to local establishments instead of these national chains. Today, we’ve shared a few simple swaps you can make in your regular spending habits to shop locally more often.

Drink Local: Coffee and Tea

Instead of getting your morning coffee or tea from Starbucks or Dunkin’, try getting it from a local café. Small coffee shops often have an assortment of baked goods and other treats that are locally made, so you might find something else to enjoy in addition to your latte. If you usually drink your coffee or tea at home, there’s still an opportunity for you to support local businesses. Look for coffee beans or grounds from local roasters and tea from local sellers at the grocery store. A lot of grocery stores mark items that are locally produced, making it easier to consciously buy local at the store.

Eat Local: Restaurants

We’re proud to be in such great company with other local restaurants in Fort Collins. Our loyal customers help keep us in business year after year. We encourage you to eat at local restaurant instead of at the nearest Chilli’s or Applebees. Usually you can find a locally-owned alternative to the chain restaurants you like. For example, if you like soups and salads from Panera, check out ours here at Rainbow Restaurant instead! If you love burritos and burrito bowls, look for Mexican restaurants in your area. Whatever it is that you like to eat, you can likely find a local alternative based on your price point and cuisine preferences.

Buy Local Food: Grocers and Farmers

Swapping a grocery chain for a small, locally-owned store can be a tougher change to make. Often times the prices might be a bit higher because a mom-and-pops grocer can’t buy products in the same volume as bigger stores; therefore, they don’t get the same wholesale discount. However, you can try to buy from your local grocer on a more regular basis. Another great way to eat and buy local is to shop at farmer’s markets. You’d be surprised to see that many times the price for produce is cheaper than what you can find at supermarkets.

Shop Local: Retail

Today lots of people prefer the convenience of online shopping for everything from clothes to furniture to household and personal care products over shopping in-store. We can’t deny that nothing is more convenient than ordering something on Amazon Prime on your phone when you’re at home in pjs. However, these online purchases aren’t helping to stimulate and maintain the economy in your community. Most of the things you buy online you can find in a locally-owned store nearby. For clothing, shoes, and home goods, you might find that the boutiques in your community carry items you’d otherwise never know about or find online. We know it’s not possible for everyone to drop Prime. A more realistic goal is to make a conscious effort to make more purchases from local stores.

We hope you find this blog post helpful so you can help support your local economy!

At Rainbow Restaurant we aim to shop local and support other small businesses as much as possible, and are thankful for those that help to support ours. Come in for a delicious breakfast today!

Five Ways to Support Your Local Small Businesses

Support Your Local Business – Rainbow Restaurant in Fort Collins

Small businesses are hurting with the current situation, and we should do what we can to help! So here are five ways to support your local small businesses.

How To Support Your Local Small Businesses

Everyday life has changed drastically for many this year, and that includes small businesses. One of the most devastating effects of COVID-19 has been the way it’s hurt small and local businesses. Many businesses have had to lay off employees or shut down altogether. Some are barely hanging on, hoping to make it through the next day. 

Small businesses are the backbone of this country. They’re part of what makes communities so special. At the beginning of the pandemic, there was a big push to support local businesses as much as possible. It’s important to continue with that support now and in the following months. These are five easy ways to show your support to the local small businesses in your community.

Shop and eat local as often as possible

Make it a priority to buy from local sellers and eat at independently owned restaurants as often as you can. Operating with reduced hours and spending money on personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitation products have cut into businesses’ profits. The best way you can help business owners offset these costs is to be a loyal, frequent customer.

Chances are you probably already buy from local establishments regularly – which is great. But try to think of how you can amp up your support. Is there something you buy from Amazon or a national chain that you could purchase from a local seller instead? Often the price difference between something sold at Target or on Amazon is only a few dollars cheaper than an independently-owned business.

Spending a few dollars more likely won’t make a huge difference to your finances but significantly impacts the business.

Many of us love online shopping because of the convenience and because it keeps us out of crowds. Many brick-and-mortar businesses have added online shopping to their websites during the pandemic with local delivery and curbside pickup options. Remember to look into this option at locally owned stores before you place your next Amazon order. 

Tip service staff

COVID-19 has taken a big hit on people in the service industry. Many people in the food and restaurant industry (servers, bartenders, baristas, busboys, etc.) were unable to work for weeks and months when restaurants were closed or open for takeout only. The same goes for hairdressers, nail technicians, massage therapists, and estheticians who weren’t able to work until recently. Keep this in mind when you grab a coffee, go out to eat, or get a haircut.

Make it a goal to tip often and generously. Tips make up a considerable portion of service workers’ income. Again, this is another example of how spending a few extra dollars goes a long way. 

Follow the rules

It’s safe to say that most of us have been having a hard year. The stress of the pandemic and all the uncertainty have been weighing heavily on all of us. With that said, we need to remember that everyone is going through a hard time. It’s easy to get caught up in your own emotions and frustrations, but you need to remember to be gentle and patient with others.

If you go to a store or a restaurant, follow their rules and be kind to the staff. As customers, it’s frustrating that many places we like to shop and eat at have reduced their hours and that there’s a longer wait to be seated or enter the store. However, this doesn’t mean that you should take these frustrations out on the cashiers or servers. They’re just trying to do their job, stay safe, and keep us safe.

Small business and restaurant owners and their staff have a lot of things to stress about on their plates. Don’t make a big deal out of little things or make their lives harder than they already are.  

Spread the word

Another way to support your local small businesses is to spread the word. Businesses rely on word of mouth and testimonials. If there’s a store or restaurant that you like, help spread the word to get them more business. Recommend them to your friends and family, share their posts on social media, and take a moment to write positive reviews on Yelp and Trip Advisor.

All of these things are completely free and take little time and effort. However, they can help stores and restaurants attract new clients when they need it most.

Donate to relief funds

Chambers of commerce and non-profits in cities and towns all across the country have been setting up relief funds to support local businesses. If you’re in a position to make a donation, consider contributing to a fund that benefits businesses in your community. Often these fundraisers offer microloans and grants to help businesses with rent/mortgage, payroll, and buying the necessary sanitation and protection equipment needed to follow COVID-19 protocols.

Even if you’re not in a financial position to make a big donation (or any contribution at all), you can still help by spreading the word about these fundraisers in your community.

The businesses in your community have always been there for you: the cafe where you get your coffee, the store where you buy holiday gifts, the restaurant you go to for celebrating your birthday, the bakery you go to for a cupcake after a hard day. These businesses have been in the backgrounds of our lives during life’s good and bad moments.

Now it’s time for us to be there for them in their time of need. Following these steps is a good start to support your local small businesses that you care.

At Rainbow Restaurant we aim to support other local small businesses around us as much possible, and are thankful for those that help to support ours. Come in for a delicious breakfast today!

The COVID-19 Crisis: 3 Things You Can Do To Help Get Through It

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!

HOW TO PROVIDE VALUE TO YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY WITH THOUGHTFUL DAILY CHANGES

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.

EASY FOOD SWAPS FOR A HEALTHIER DIET

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.

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Bucks for Biking: Keeping Cars off the Road in Fort Collins

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…