What Is Green Eating?
What is green eating?
Well, it's not just another fad where you only eat green fruit and veg.
Green eating is great for your mind, body, soul and planet.
It's a way of life, a completely sustainable lifestyle.
It really comes down to making healthier food choices, keeping it as natural and local as possible.
Everything from the food source to the packing to the grocery bag falls into the category of green living.
The food you eat majorly impacts two things: your health and the environment.
So, here's how you can trim down your waistline while doing your part for the planet.
Eat Locally
One of the best ways to get started is to buy locally grown produce.
Sure, going to your grocery store, you will find a wide selection of foods and products that look super fresh.
But think about it.
If it has been imported, how fresh is it really?
The longer the food travels, the lower the quality, especially when it comes to fruit and veg.
Not only does it reduce the quality, but it increases air pollution.
To maintain it, foods are injected with all sorts of chemicals.
When you buy local produce, you know exactly where it's coming from, how fresh it is, plus, you're helping your local economy and the environment.
It's an all-round win for all.
Great Eating Is About Being Ethical
Although it is more of a plant-based diet, if you choose to eat produce that comes from animals, make sure it fits into the ethically-raised criteria.
What Does Ethically Raised Mean?
At first, it can be a little confusing because it varies from animal to animal.
But the essence is that the animals were healthy in their life and not subject to poor conditions.
Below are some labels you can look out for, for different type of animal products.
Beef. Grass-fed, organic and no use of antibiotics.
Poultry. Organic, cage-free, no antibiotics
Diary. Organic, rBGH-free, antibiotic-free
Seafood. Wild-caught, not farm-raised.
Pork. Antibiotic-free and organic.
It goes for fruit and veg as well, as they too should be ethically grown. Where was it grown? Were the workers paid fairly? Were pesticides used? Etc.
If in doubt, always choose organic. Yes, it may be pricier, but what you invest in your health, you won't have to invest in medical bills.
Green Eatings Helps To Reduce Waste
Did you know that the average American family disposes of over $2000 worth of food every year?
Not only is it majorly dipping into your savings, but it's wasted food, resources and energy to dispose of it.
Luckily, you can do your part to cut back on waste.
Buy only what you need and avoid overbuying. It's a good idea to stick to a list.
It might take some getting used to know how much you and your family consume, but it's worth it for the long-term.
If you find yourself with too much food or leftovers, give them to friends, family or someone in need.
If you love throwing dinner parties and socialising, inviting more people over is also a good idea.
You can go one step further to reduce waste by growing fruit and veg in your garden if you have the space to do so.
It will save you money, reduce waste, pesticide-free, and it can be a lot of fun.
Plus, you will know exactly what you are eating.
The packaging is one of the most dangerous things to wildlife and the environment. Doing your part in cutting back on waste saves the planet and nature.
The Health Benefits of Green Eating
Fruit and veg should take up most of your plate at mealtime. That's according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
Better yet, they are jam-packed with all the healthy nutrients you need.
Most, if not all, fruits and veg are rich in antioxidants, loaded with cancer-fighting fibres and have immune-boosting powers.
The Bottom Line
Your health matters and you should make it a priority.
Food is at the core of our daily life. We need it to keep functioning, and when we want to celebrate with our loved ones.
Going green means enjoying a healthy, sustainable life, not only for yourself but the plant, wildlife and generations to come.
And there's nothing more satisfying than that.
