Sustainable diets are those that have no negative impact on the environment and lead to food and nutrition security as well as healthier living for the present and future generations.
These diets are protective and respectful of habitats and environments, culturally appropriate, accessible, economically equal and sustainable, nutritionally sufficient, secure, and balanced, all while maximizing natural and human resources. Simply put, it is healthy and safe for both humans and the environment.
The good news is that following a sustainable diet is simple. There are only a few simple guidelines to follow:
Foods derived from plants are favored. This is great advice, not only for health reasons but also for a more sustainable diet that reduces the environmental impact of food production.
Consume a diversified diet. Colorful plates help to guarantee that a variety of foods are served at the table. A diverse plate on the table represents agricultural diversity.
Consume five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, not just as a side dish. Fruits and vegetables are the greatest snacks for a balanced, nutritious diet, especially for young children.
Support organic and local products. Buying local produce not only encourages you to buy the freshest and most delicious food, but it is also important for healthy agriculture and a balanced ecosystem that allows you to save money.
Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. This reduces the amount of packaging used at home and when dining out.
Processed foods should be consumed in moderation. These foods have a high carbohydrate, fat, and salt content, as indicated on the nutrition labels, yet they are not considered nutritious foods for your health.
Increase your consumption of wholewheat grains. Wholewheat rice, barley, oat, corn, and rye have excellent nutritional value since they aid in the prevention of many diseases and require less effort, thereby requiring less energy and water to process the same amount of food.
Avoid sugary drinks. Switching from water to sodas and fruit juices will result in weight gain in the long run, so it is not recommended for a balanced diet.
Increase your pulse consumption. Low pulse consumption is an excellent approach to maintaining a balanced diet because it provides nutrients and, for the sake of the environment, replaces plant-based animal proteins.
Reduce your intake of red and processed meat. Other protein sources, such as pulses, are preferable. Livestock breeding for meat is one of the agricultural operations with the greatest environmental impact.
Suppliers of sustainable seafood should be compensated. This contributes to the conservation of aquatic animals and vegetation, which are continually threatened by overfishing.
Look for products that come from free-range farms and pastures. The quality of life of the animals we utilize for food is frequently influenced by market decisions.
