Summertime means getting outdoors more, being more active and eating fresh food. A lot of people, myself included, make an effort to eat a little better this time of year, particularly if they have decided to make it one of their New Year’s resolutions. But eating better is not only good for your health, but it is good for the planet, so maybe we should make it an ongoing habit.
Remove the processed foods - Our life can be a rush, so often it is quicker to cook instant food rather than think about what to cook. But many of these processed foods are lacking in nutrients, high in sugar and salt, and include many additives and preservatives that are toxic to your health and the environment. Processed foods also come with a lot of packaging and often have travelled across the globe to arrive at your plate.
Eat organic where possible - Certified organic foods are grown and processed using farming methods without the use of synthetic herbicides and pesticides, promotes biodiversity and uses natural fertilisers. If you’re on a budget and you find organic food a bit pricey, find out which foods are most worth buying organic, and limit your organic purchases to the ones that make the biggest impact.
Eat in season - When food is fresher it tends to be more nutrient dense. We can experience better health as our gut, skin and metabolism are improved as well as balanced hormones, and so much more. Buying in season also means there is less waste with food going off due to prolonged storage and damage during transit.
Grow it - Home grown fruit and vegetables really do taste good. You don’t need to have a lot of space to grow your own fruits and veggies. Herbs, strawberries, small fruiting trees can be grown in pots, while many small plants can grow in a vertical garden. But if you are lucky enough to have the space, why not grow your own. Not only will you know what has gone into your food, but you will be getting active outdoors and looking after your environment. If space is a bit tight you could join a community garden and get to learn from others.
Eat it raw - The cooking process can destroy many of the vitamins and minerals in our food. So chomping on raw food can be better for you, and you will save energy because there is no need for cooking appliances.
Look for local - This ties in with buying in season. When you buy local, produce tends to be fresh and if it is processed, there tends to be less processing (preservatives and stabilisers). Buying local is a great way to cut down on your environmental impact of your food. Transporting food across the globe needs a lot of fuel and packaging.
Always eat more good quality fruits, vegetables and grains. It is always best to eat more of these types of foods than any other food types, as the overuse of foods such as meat and dairy not only affects our health, but the environment. If you follow some of these suggestions your body will love you and so will the earth.
Be more earthly passionate about your health,
Attracta & the earthly passion