You probably wouldn't dress monochromatically...

Tip #5

...so neither should your food.  Color is good, just ask mother nature¹ (or that neighborhood yuppie hiding purple Argyle socks under gray dress pants).

Its too easy to fall into the trap of serving boring, dull food.  Your favorite pasta and cream sauce with garlic bread - all tan.  Your best rice with sauteed chicken - tan again.  Maybe its dull-colored stir fry, or burnt steak with black beans (hopefully not), or Cheerios and milk (hopefully yes).  But follow nature's lead.  People are attracted to bright flowers, bold sunsets, and turquoise seas against yellow Coronas with green limes.  Subconsciously, your food will look attractive. Next time you're putting your meal together, think about color....and it can be simple.

• Greens (spinach, broccoli, kale)
• Yellows (summer squash, corn, and bright lemon slices)
• Reds (fresh uncooked tomatoes)

For example:

• For that pasta dish, add a yellow lemon wedge or have a side of fresh greens.
• Accompany pale fish or chicken with rich green kale (spinach) and a side of rice
• Throw together a can of black beans, yellow corn, and diced tomatoes (sauteed with a little white wine and onions) to make a simple colorful side

Be creative.  It's pretty easy.  And if all else fails, you could go buy colorful plates....

¹ You shouldn't worry that bright colors in nature often mean danger.  Let me just roll with this analogy okay?