WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE EATING?

Have you ever considered the impact that your food and eating habits are having on the environment?

Eating sustainably is having a nutritionally balanced diet that does not compromise future generations.

Keep reading for our top five tips that can help you eat more sustainably!

1. Enjoy more whole-foods

Wholefoods are foods that have not been processed or refined, meaning we enjoy them in their original state. This includes fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Unlike refined and processed foods, wholefoods generally require minimal energy and resources to be produced.

These foods are also a better choice nutritionally as they are often more nutrient-dense and contain higher amounts of fibre.

2. Eat seasonally

If you’re eating peaches during winter, it most likely needed to travel a long way before reaching your plate. Choosing to eat seasonally reduces food miles and helps to support local farmers. This also ensures you are eating the freshest produce which also helps to reduce the degradation of nutrients that occur with time.

Note: food miles refers to the distance the food has travelled from where it is grown/produced to where it is purchased by the consumer. 

3. Minimise food waste

Reducing your food waste can be as simple as sticking to a shopping list. This can ensure you are only buying what you need for the week and avoiding the food which will go uneaten.

Another way to reduce food waste is by giving the ‘ugly’ fresh fruit and veg a chance.

Fruit and veg are delicious and nutritious in all shapes and sizes. Next time you are at the grocery store why not buy the odd one of the bunch to stop it from going to waste.

Tip: Harris Farm’s “Imperfect Picks” and Coles’ “I’m perfect” range gives a second chance to all the fruit and veg with small imperfections at a cheaper cost!

4. Use less plastic

Every year, Australians use roughly 130 kg of plastic per person. It’s easy to not realize how much plastic we use, but one way to eat more sustainably is by ditching the plastic straws, cutlery and containers! Instead, see if you can go without, or opt for a reusable option instead.

5. Grow something

Growing something as simple as parsley can help you eat more sustainably! How? It’s reducing food packaging, waste, and food miles! Spring is a great time to start your own herb or veggie garden. Bunnings has a range of free tools and resources online to get you started (click here).

Small changes to how and what you eat can make a big difference. What changes can you make to eat more sustainably?

If you would like to work with one of our Accredited Practicing Dietitians and Nutritionists click here