Tips On How to Eat Better for Your Health and the Environment

You may never have considered the impacts of your food choices on the environment. However, people’s dietary choices are one of the leading causes of mortality and environmental degradation worldwide.

Research shows that many of the processed foods we eat in the modern day are harmful to our health and the environment. If you live in America, it’s likely that most of the food that you buy in the grocery store has traveled halfway across the world to get there.

Most of the food you put in your basket at the store will have been through various stages of processing to make it safe and enjoyable for you to eat. The manufacturing processes involved in the food and drink industry can significantly impact the environment.

Luckily, making positive changes in your diet can be great for the environment. Improving your health by eating unprocessed or minimally processed foods can also improve the health of the environment.  The small changes you make to your food intake can contribute to positive changes in the world.

So, how do we make these positive changes? Here are some top tips on how you can eat better for your health and the environment.

Go Plant-Based

Meat and dairy production account for 14.5% of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions globally. In particular, the production of red meat is a significant contributor to global warming.

The production of meat and dairy products requires more food, water, land, and energy than plant-based foods. Switching to a plant-based diet can be great for the environment by reducing the amount of carbon released into the environment through the manufacturing process.  Red meat consumption has also been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes.

Plant foods contain essential nutrients, such as dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals necessary for your health. Aim to eat a variety of legumes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to maximize your nutrient intake. Great plant-based protein sources include tofu, tempeh, nuts, and seeds.

Buy Locally

Opting for locally grown foods can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and energy used to get your food to your plate. It’s also a great way to support local businesses and keep your community thriving.

Visit your nearby markets or farms, or search for food products labeled as ‘local’ in your neighborhood grocery store.

Grow Your Own Food

If you have the garden space to do so, grow your own foods. Set up a vegetable patch in the garden or some plant containers on your balcony.

Growing your own food is not only fun, but it provides you with the freshest ingredients to use in your cooking. It’s also much more sustainable because it reduces the need for food production and product packaging.