When you?re planning your diet, keep in mind that there are many ways to make healthy choices even when you?re pressed for time. You don?t need to sacrifice your health just because you don?t have time to cook. There are plenty of healthy options available at cafes and restaurants. If you do have time to cook, then this is a great way to control the ingredients that go into your food.
Start with a balanced diet. This means eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, protein-rich foods, nuts, beans, and seeds. Limit the amount of fat you eat, especially saturated fat found in fatty meats, dairy products, and fried foods.
Here are some helpful tips!
Set goals
First of all, you need to know what your intentions are. What are you trying to achieve? Do you want to eat healthier? Do you want to be more environmentally friendly? Or do you want to do both? Once you have your aims in mind, it will be easier for you to plan your diet.
Make a list
Planning a trip to the grocery store? Before you leave home, make sure that you prepare a list of everything that you need to buy for the week ahead. This will help you avoid overspending or buying things that you don?t really need (or want). Shopping on an empty stomach can lead to impulse spending on unhealthy snacks!
Reduce your intake of meat and dairy products
The first step to a green diet is to eat fewer meat and dairy products. The meat industry is responsible for a large share of greenhouse gas emissions, as it requires extensive land use and a lot of water for growing feed for the animals. A vegetarian diet does not have to be dull.
Meat and dairy products can be replaced in a variety of ways. Try some bean curries, lentil soups or stews. Buy vegetables that are in season and make your own homemade meals with them. This will not only minimize your carbon footprint but will also help you save money!
Healthy planet, healthy people
Green eating has many positive effects. It encourages biodiversity, cuts down on deforestation, and reduces pollution in the world around us. A green diet helps protect our supply of freshwater for future generations. There are also health benefits to consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. This includes a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some types of cancer. Furthermore, organic foods contain fewer pesticides than other foods and are often GMO-free.
Eat local
When possible, stick to locally sourced foods to reduce emissions from transport and support local farmers and businesses. Farmers’ markets are expanding across the globe as people embrace more sustainable options for buying groceries. Or, check out some of these other places to buy local food if there isn’t a market near you!
Eat organic
Sustainable eating starts with your plate. Organic food is grown without the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. These can be harmful to your health and the environment. Organic farming practices are also better for soil quality, water conservation, and animal welfare.
The idea of eating organic may seem intimidating at first, but there are many ways you can incorporate it into your diet. Start small by swapping out a few non-organic items for organic ones each week. You can also try growing vegetables with hydroponic farming in your garden to get a green start to the day. If you don?t have space at home, there are community gardens where you can grow food yourself or join an organic food buying group that delivers fresh produce to your area.
Eat More Veggies
Vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet, providing vitamins and minerals that your body needs. Eating vegetables can also help you lose weight, as they are low in calories but contain high amounts of nutrients. And let?s not forget that vegetables are good for the environment! Vegetable farming puts less strain on the environment than intensive livestock farming does. Opt for in-season vegetables when possible, as these will be cheaper and tastier.
Don?t Skip on Fruit
Fruit is packed with vitamins and minerals and should be eaten every day. Swap processed snacks for fruity treats like apples or bananas to boost your energy levels throughout the day. Fruit is easier to grow organically than meat or dairy products, so aim for organic fruit when possible.
The most important thing to remember when planning a healthy diet is to eat food that you enjoy. If you don’t like the food, you are less likely to stick with it. Healthy eating does not have to be tasteless or bland. Make sure your diet is varied and includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. This will help give your body all of the vitamins and minerals it needs.
