We’re busy, stretched for time. Increasingly, we grab convenient, pre-packaged, processed food options without considering the impact to our bodies or the planet. We’ve become so far removed from the source of our food that we not longer consider how our food is being grown or produced; our expectation is that we can have whatever we want, whenever we want it, even if it means the item was flown half way around the world!
In addition, with the abundance of food, we often buy too much for our own needs wasting our planet’s precious resources. With simple changes, we can rethink how we consume food and in the process improve our health and make choices that foster a more sustainable lifestyle overall. Here are 5 ways to rethink your food choices today!
1. Eat more plants.
How?
This does not have to be an all or none choice. Add more plants and reduce meat in your diet consistently, one meal at a time. This is a great way to diversify protein sources.
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Go plant based one meal a day, everyday!
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Lessen your portion of meat and poultry and replace with beans or vegetables.
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Go vegetarian.
Why?
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Animal agriculture contributes to ⅓ of all greenhouse gasses.
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Small animals, such as chickens, suffer the most due to being thrown around and treated poorly.
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Farmers and slaughterhouse workers are treated very poorly and struggle to meet basic financial needs.
Impact!
If you value a life-centric approach, this is an important change to make.
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By reducing your chicken portion from 5 ozs to 3 ozs, you will save 15 chickens per year.
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Replacing meat with beans or vegetables will add important fiber to your diet. 95% Of Americans do not meet the RDA of fiber!
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Plant based protein sources are cheaper than meat.
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Reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer!
2. Reduce waste.
How?
This is a low hanging, high impact action that involves observing our patterns and making small changes.
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Cook at home, pack leftovers.
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Buying in bulk isn’t always better. Pay attention to how much of that Costco stuff you buy and don’t use.
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Similarly, 2 for 1 or BOGOs may result in us buying more than we need. Learn to ask yourself, if you really will use that extra purchase. Is it perishable? Will it sit in your pantry forever?
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Learn how to use up all of your food – learn cutting and no-waste techniques.
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Reduce consumption of pre-packaged, single-use, processed foods.
Why?
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If food waste were a country it would be the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gasses after the US and China.
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25% Of the freshwater we use in this country is to make food that will be wasted.
Impact!
If you value an earth-centric approach, this is an important change to make.
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A family of four can save approximately $1600/year*.
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Develop healthier family habits by buying and eating what you will use.
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Reduce how much garbage your family creates–this can lead to savings.
3. Eat less food.
How?
This one may sound odd but is an amazing health builder.
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Eat in smaller plates and bowls.
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Reduce your portions of energy intensive foods like cheese, packaged and processed foods, chocolates, granola etc…
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Consider eating in a time restricted window between 7am and 7pm or Noon to 8pm – intermittent fasting has health benefits.
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Reduce snacking and eat only when hungry.
Why?
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Overconsumption of food is directly related to a myriad of health problems. The average american eats 2900 calories a day (400-900 calories more than recommended)
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Americans have more health problems and live a shorter life than many developed countries as a result of our diet.
Impact!
If you value a life-centric approach, this is an important change to make.
4. Support local farmers.
How?
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Visit local farmer’s markets – talk to farmers, understand how your food is grown.
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Support CSA boxes. These are boxes from local farmers straight to your door.
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Take weekend trips to farms insteads of malls.
Why?
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Less than ¼ of Americans understand where their food comes from.
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Reduce your dependence on long-distance transportation of fruits and vegetables.
Impact!
If you value a holistic approach, this is an important change to make.
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Farmer’s markets are a great source of community and social connections.
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Builds food transparency.
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Encourages your family to try new foods which are seasonal and fresh.
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Buy more ethically produced foods such as eggs.
5. Drink more water and less sugary drinks.
How?
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Take along a water bottle that keeps your water nice and cold.
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Add in flavor shots, if needed, to provide some variety.
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Say no to sugary sodas and drinks!
Why?
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Sugary drinks are often sold in cans and bottles – a major contributor to the landfill waste.
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Sugary drinks are a major contributor to metabolic diseases and obesity.
Impact!
If you value a holistic approach, this is an important change to make.
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Save money! Almost $200/year*.
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Improve your health and lose weight.
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100,000 People switching from soda/drinks in disposable bottles to water in refillable bottles would result in 12.2 million less bottles in the landfill annually.
*According to KindHub internal calculations!