Making good, sustainable food decisions can seem daunting in the hectic environment of today. Eating healthy, according to dietician and environmentalist Isabelle Carter, does not have to mean sacrificing the earth. Here is her manual for sensible and environmentally friendly cuisine.
1. Prioritize Plant-Based Foods
“One of the easiest ways you could eat sustainably is including more plant-based meals into your diet,” adds Isabelle. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains are better choices for the environment and personal health than meat and dairy as they take less resources to produce.
2. Select seasonal, local produce.
Choosing seasonal and locally grown foods lowers the carbon emissions connected with long-distance driving. “Shopping at farmers’ markets or joining a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program assures you get fresh, nutrient-rich foods while supporting local farmers,” Isabelle says.
3. Reduce Food Waste
“Plan your meals, store food properly, and get creative with leftovers,” Isabelle says. Two easy ways to cut waste are freezing additional servings and composting food leftovers.
4. Opt for Sustainable Proteins
Select sustainably obtained choices when consuming animal products. “Look for labels like ‘grass-fed,’ ‘pasture-raised,’ or ‘certified sustainable seafood,’ to make more ethical decisions,” she says.
5. Minimize Processed Foods
Many times, highly processed foods come with too much packaging and synthetic chemicals. As far as possible, Isabelle advises, “stick to whole, unprocessed foods.” “It not only is healthier but also lessens waste.”
Isabelle Carter thinks anyone can enjoy a diet that is both healthy and environmentally sustainable by following these easy but powerful guidelines.
