National Nutrition Month: Beyond The Table | A Holistic Approach From Farm To Table.

Eat Local And In-Season Foods:

Supporting local farmers and purchasing seasonal vegetables helps reduce transportation’s carbon footprint  while supporting regional agriculture. Farmers’ markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, and local food cooperatives are good places to get fresh, locally sourced foods.

Make Whole Foods Your Best Friend:

Incorporating whole, minimally processed foods into your diet provides essential nutrients and helps lessen the environmental effects of packing, processing, and transportation. Choose whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

Reduce Food Waste:

Reducing food waste is very important for environmental and economic reasons. Planning meals, properly storing leftovers, and being creative when using ingredients in various dishes can all help to reduce food waste.

Composting organic waste such as scraps of herbs, vegetables, and fruit peels can help divert food waste from landfills to enrich soil.

Support Sustainable Agriculture: 

Choose organic, fair trade, or sustainably derived products or produce whenever possible.

These certifications most often imply that food was produced in an environmentally friendly manner that promotes soil health, biodiversity, and ethical labor standards.

Check out my blog HERE to learn about the real meaning of Organic Foods and the reasons why we should include them in our dietary lifestyle.

Reduce Meat Consumption:

This can be a difficult one for individuals like myself who grew up eating meat all their lives. Plant-based diets have been found to have lesser environmental effects than diets high in animal products.

Consider eating more plant-based meals and limiting your consumption of red and processed meat. Choose responsibly sourced animal products.

Grow Your Own Food:

Even if you live in an apartment with limited space, growing herbs, veggies, or fruits at home can help you feel more connected to your food and minimize your dependency on store-bought goods. Container gardening, vertical gardens, and community garden plots are excellent choices for urban dwellers.

Choose Sustainable Seafood:

When shopping for seafood, choose species that have been harvested sustainably rather than those that have been overfished or caught using harmful fishing tactics.

To ensure responsible sourcing, look for certifications from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).

Spend a bit more and get wild-caught fish instead of farm-raised ones. They are healthy and safe for the environment.

Reduce Single-Use Plastics:

Minimize the use of single-use plastics such as disposable utensils, straws, and packaging whenever possible. Choose reusable alternatives such as stainless steel water bottles, reusable shopping bags, and glass food storage containers.

Educate Yourself and Others:

Knowledge is power. It empowers us to make more informed decisions related to our health and the food we eat.

Stay current on topics related to nutrition, agriculture, and the environment, and share your knowledge with others. Encourage your friends, family, and community members to join you in implementing sustainable and nutritious food practices.

Visit reputable websites like EATRIGHT for health and nutrition information published by Dietitians and other qualified nutrition professionals. 

Support Policy Change and Advocacy:

Participate in advocacy activities to advocate policies that support sustainable agriculture, increase access to healthy foods, and reduce environmental pollution. Donate to groups focusing on food justice, environmental protection, and public health programs. These include but are not limited to the Global Health Advocacy Incubator and God’s Love We Deliver.