Dietitian Emphasizes Sustainable Choices: Top 7 Foods Regularly Purchased
Hey there, buddy! As a dietitian with a passion for sustainability, I'm all about making food choices that benefit both my health and the planet. You know, since Earth Day should be celebrated every damn day!
Now, let's face it, the food industry can be a real beast when it comes to environmental issues – think greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and deforestation. But fear not, because choosing sustainable food is easier than you think!
Enter: Sustainable Nutrition, the way of eating that boosts your health while causing less harm to our Mother Earth. And guess what? There's a massive movement happening right now to promote this lifestyle, both globally and here in the good ol' USA.
All you need to do to get on board is be a little more intentional during your weekly grocery shopping spree. So, without further ado, here are 7 foods I always add to my cart for a healthy body and a thriving planet:
Sweet Potatoes
These bad boys are nutrient-rich and require less water and land to grow compared to other root vegetables. Plus, they can thrive in less fertile soil, which means we use less fertilizer or compost. And if you grab organic sweet potatoes, you'll be cutting down on even more environmentally damaging agrochemicals! You can roast 'em up, add 'em to curries, egg dishes, soups, stews, or even bake 'em into delicious treats!
Tofu
Plant-based proteins, like tofu, are the way to go if you want to lessen your environmental impact. In fact, the livestock industry is responsible for at least 14.5% of all global greenhouse gas emissions. Red meat, in particular, is hard on both the planet and your health, as it's linked to increased heart disease risk. Tofu is a versatile, nutrient-packed alternative that also won't break the bank – most blocks cost less than three dollars! I love it in savory scrambles, fried rice, curry, soup, and salad.
Oranges
Citrus fruits, including oranges, are great for overall health, as they're loaded with vitamin C and fiber. But oranges are also super sustainable, as they're grown on trees that can stay in the ground for decades, sequestering carbon from the atmosphere. Plus, they require less water compared to other fruits!
Black Beans
Legumes, particularly black beans, are a fantastic source of plant-based protein. They're not only delicious and affordable but also high in nutrients like fiber, iron, copper, zinc, and phosphorus. Black beans are a versatile addition to salads, soups, stews, eggs, burritos, or dips – you name it!
Mushrooms
Whether you're into portobello, button, oyster, shiitake, or enoki, mushrooms are an excellent source of fiber, plant compounds, and vitamins and minerals. Plus, they play a crucial role in the environment, recycling carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. My taste buds can't get enough of sautéed mushrooms in pastas, stir-fries, soups, or grain bowls!
Seaweed Snacks
Umami-loving dietitians rejoice – seaweed snacks are a delicious and sustainable way to get your fix. Full of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids and iodine for optimal thyroid function, seaweed snacks require no land, fresh water, or synthetic fertilizers for production, and they regenerate quickly, causing minimal impact on surrounding ecosystems. Plus, they're widely abundant and make for a tasty treat!
Local Honey
Honey is a versatile and nutritious sweetener – I use it in baking, tea, and a variety of savory recipes like dressings, marinades, and dipping sauces. Honey is also an environmental MVP, as bees play a crucial role in pollinating food crops. I always reach for local honey because it supports my local environment and helps bee populations thrive. If you can't find local honey at your farmer's market, I recommend checking out brands like Local Hive, which offer local and regionally-sourced honey nationwide.
Now, grab your reusable shopping bags and get ready to make a difference! Happy sustainable shopping, friend.
- Simplifying my healthy-eating approach involves prioritizing a nutrition diet that emphasizes food-and-drink choices that benefit both my health and the planet.
- In light of the environmental challenges posed by the food industry, I find solace in science-backed sustainable-nutrition practices for health-and-wellness.
- As a proud advocate of healthy-diets, I constantly educate myself on the realsimple ways to make my lifestyle more sustainable.
- Switching to a nutrition-rich and sustainable-nutrition diet is not only beneficial for my health-and-wellness, but it also helps protect the environment for future generations.
- Opting for a plant-based diet that includes foods such as sweet potatoes, tofu, oranges, black beans, mushrooms, and seaweed snacks is a practical way to reduce my carbon footprint while enjoying a healthy lifestyle.
