Celebrating Earth Day with Nutritious Choices
As we honor Earth Day, let's reflect on the profound connection between our food and the health of our planet.
Every meal we choose is an opportunity to nurture not just our bodies, but also the environment. Join us in exploring how simple, nutritious choices can become a powerful way to celebrate and care for our planet this Earth Day and beyond.
Choose Plant-Powered Meals:
Opting for plant-based meals is one of the most effective ways to reduce your environmental footprint while nourishing your body. Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds into your diet. For example, start your day with a colorful smoothie bowl packed with berries, spinach, and chia seeds. For lunch, enjoy a hearty salad filled with mixed greens, roasted vegetables, and chickpeas. Experiment with Meatless Monday dinners by trying dishes like lentil curry or veggie stir-fry.
Meatless Mondays
Looking to make a positive impact on your health and the planet? Welcome to Meatless Mondays, where you’ll learn about different plant based proteins, the recipes that use them, and tips to incorporate them into your life!
Healthy Breakfast Smoothies
Breakfast Smoothies are an easy way to enjoy a healthy breakfast on busy mornings. These healthy smoothie recipes provide filling fiber and protein to give you energy all morning!
Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry
Super creamy, comforting, and cozy curry recipe made with green lentils and coconut milk. Easy to make a one-pot recipe with simple ingredients that are both great to taste and good to health. This easy Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry can be served with rice or flatbread!
30-Minute Stir Fry Vegetables
Stir fry vegetables in a delicious sweet and gingery sauce. Serve takeout at home in just 30 minutes with this delicious and easy dinner the whole family will love!
Support Local Farmers:
Buying locally grown produce not only supports your community but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Visit farmers’ markets or join a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program to access fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables. Get to know your local farmers and learn about their sustainable farming practices. Consider incorporating more locally sourced ingredients into your meals, such as heirloom tomatoes, artisanal cheeses, and organic eggs.
Minimize Food Waste:
Food waste is a major contributor to environmental degradation. Reduce waste by meal planning, properly storing leftovers, and using all parts of the ingredients you buy. For example, turn vegetable scraps into homemade broth, and revive wilted greens in a refreshing smoothie. Composting is another eco-friendly way to divert food scraps from landfills and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Get creative in the kitchen and challenge yourself to waste less while enjoying delicious meals.
Choose Sustainable Seafood:
If you consume seafood, make informed choices by selecting sustainably sourced options. Look for eco-certifications such as Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) labels when purchasing fish and seafood. Choose species that are abundant and harvested using methods that minimize environmental impact, such as pole and line fishing or aquaculture with low environmental impact. Consider incorporating plant-based alternatives like tofu, tempeh, or legumes into your meals as well.
Embrace Seasonal Eating:
Eating with the seasons not only supports local agriculture but also ensures that you’re consuming produce at its peak freshness and flavor. Going for seasonal produce not only makes your meals tastier but also helps the planet. By choosing fruits and veggies that are in-season and grown nearby, you cut down on long-distance transport, which means fewer greenhouse gases and less energy used. This small change in your food choices reduces environmental harm and supports eco-friendly farming practices, making the Earth healthier for generations to come.
On Earth Day and every day, we have the power to make a positive impact through our food choices. By prioritizing nutrient-dense, plant-based foods, reducing food waste, and supporting sustainable agriculture, we can nourish both our bodies and the planet. Let’s celebrate Earth Day by committing to a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
– Krupa Patel, MPA, RD/LDN Registered Dietitian
References:
- https://www.earthday.org/our-foods-impact/
- https://www.earthday.org/campaign/foodprints-for-future/
- https://www.healthyeating.org/nutrition-topics/general/sustainable-nutrition/
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/sustainability/
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