Sustainable Eating Habits Without Sacrificing Flavor (2024)

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By Chef Brooke Williamson, Modern Recipe Culinary AmbassadorSustainable Eating Habits Without Sacrificing Flavor (2)

Today, we're diving into the delicious world of sustainable eating. Personally, I'm all about crafting meals that nourish both body and soul – and sustainable eating is not just about what's on your plate – it's about the impact your food choices have on both your health and the planet. So, grab a seat at the table, and let's explore what it means to eat sustainably and why it’s the way to go.

Why Eat Sustainably?

From locally grown veggies to responsibly sourced seafood, I'm passionate about cooking with ingredients that not only taste amazing but also support a healthier planet. And did you know that according to Sodexo's Sustainable Food Barometer, a whopping 72% of Americans are on board with the need for more sustainable eating? Moreover, 66% of Americans hold a positive perception of sustainable food, indicating a growing awareness and appreciation for mindful eating practices.

At its core, sustainable eating is about choosing foods that are produced in ways that minimize environmental impact and promote ethical practices. Sustainable eating involves making food choices that are not only nourishing and delicious but also environmentally conscious. supporting sustainable food systems, we can help to conserve water and energy resources and protect biodiversity. Plus, sustainable foods tend to be fresher, healthier and more flavorful, offering a win-win for both our bodies and the planet.

Kitchen Staples for Sustainable Cooking

A great way to start eating sustainably is by incorporating more locally grown fruits and veggies into your meals – they're not only tastier but also reduce environmental impact by cutting down on shipping and travel. Plus, they’re packed with essential nutrients and flavor.

Personally, I've got a few favorite ingredients I recommend. Mushrooms are one of my go-tos because they're not only delicious, but also incredibly versatile. I also recommend shellfish like oysters, mussels and clams. These little gems are not only packed with flavor but also help keep our oceans healthy. And don't be afraid to get creative with beans! Whether you're making chili or tossing them into a salad, they're a great option for a protein-packed ingredient rich in fiber that'sgood for both you and the environment. I'm a big fan of locally grown fruits and veggies, as well – they're fresher, tastier and have a smaller carbon footprint.

Embracing Plant-Based Eating

Reducing our consumption of animal products, particularly beef and dairy, and opting for more plant-based alternatives, we can lessen our ecological footprint and promote a more sustainable food system. According to National Geographic, a planet of vegetarians would cut food emissions by 44 percent – but there are plenty of other benefits to cutting back on animal products as well. With a diverse array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, plant-based diets offer a nutritional jackpot, bolstering overall well-being. But it's not just our bodies that benefit – our gut microbiome thrives on the fiber and plant compounds found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes, promoting digestive health, immune function and even mental wellness.

Let's not forget the culinary adventure that awaits! From the crisp sweetness of apples to the creamy richness of avocados, plant-based foods offer a symphony of flavors and textures that elevate every meal. If you have previously maintained a mostly meat-based diet, going all in on plant-based foods can seem daunting - but even small additions of fresh fruits and vegetables can awaken your palette. Plus, by choosing plant-based options, you're not just nourishing yourself – you're also nourishing the planet, reducing your carbon footprint and supporting sustainable food systems. So go ahead, dig into that colorful salad or savor a hearty bowl of lentil soup – your body and the planet will thank you.

Modern Recipe's Sustainable Delights

Sustainable Eating Habits Without Sacrificing Flavor (3)

Modern Recipe is all about celebrating the bounty of the earth. That’s why we like to use ingredients like mushrooms, shellfish, locally grown fruits and vegetables and beans – which not only taste great but also have a smaller ecological footprint. From our Shiitake Chestnut Rice to the Seared Tofu and Charred Corn, our spring and summer menus feature an array of dishes that celebrate seasonal ingredients and sustainable practices. At Playa Provisions, my Southern California restaurant, you'll find delights like steamed mussels, clams, oysters and roasted button mushrooms – all sourced locally and served with flair. And trust me – your taste buds are in for a treat!

Whether you're dining with Modern Recipe or cooking up a storm in your own kitchen, remember that every bite counts. If you’re ready to learn more about how to incorporate more sustainable practices into your workplace food experience, drop us a line!

Together, we can create a world where good food isn't just a treat for the taste buds but a gift for the planet as well. Cheers to eating sustainably and living deliciously!

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Sustainable Eating Habits Without Sacrificing Flavor (2024)

FAQs

What are some sustainable food habits? ›

Instead, choose whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. These options are healthier, lower carbon footprint, and require less energy to produce and transport.

What do eating habits have to do with sustainability? ›

Sustainable eating involves consuming food that has a low environmental impact. It's largely plant-based and can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and chronic diseases in humans. Sustainable food production won't happen overnight, and much of the impact comes from systems, not people.

What is the concept of sustainable eating? ›

Food sustainability is about feeding the world today and in the future, not by making the world's agriculture system bigger, but by transforming it into something new. This effort faces significant challenges, as it's a multifaceted issue with many factors contributing to it.

What is the best definition of a sustainable diet? ›

They describe sustainable diets as "food choices that support life and health within natural system limits into the foreseeable future." The term and its usage was further refined in 2010 by FAO and Bioversity International.

What are 10 sustainable food practices? ›

Let's dive into 10 tips on how to eat sustainably for your own health and the health of our planet.
  • Eat More Plants (and Less Meat) ...
  • Reduce Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods. ...
  • Be Picky with Seafood. ...
  • Buy Local. ...
  • Buy In-Season. ...
  • Buy in Bulk. ...
  • Reduce Food Waste. ...
  • Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose.
May 11, 2020

What are the 7 principles of food sustainability? ›

Our transformation agenda is guided by seven shared principles: renewability, resilience, health, equity, diversity, inclusion, and interconnectedness.

What is an example of sustainable food? ›

Beans, lentils, peas and other legumes are some of the most widely available sustainable foods on the market, requiring little water to produce a high yield.

How can I eat a sustainable diet? ›

5 ways to be more sustainable with your diet
  1. Eat more plant-based meals! Meat production produces more greenhouse gases than plant production. ...
  2. Shop local for in-season produce to support your community. ...
  3. Cut Waste! ...
  4. Try to grow your own produce! ...
  5. Start the conversation!

What makes food sustainable? ›

The same FAO document describes a sustainable food system as “a food system that delivers food security and nutrition for all in such a way that the economic, social and environmental bases to generate food security and nutrition for future generations are not compromised.

Which is the most sustainable diet? ›

Studies repeatedly find that veganism is the best diet to follow if you're concerned about the environment – if we all went vegan, this would reportedly cut food-related CO2 emissions by 68 per cent within 15 years, allowing us to limit global warming to just 2°C.

What does a healthy and sustainable diet look like? ›

We should eat a more 'plant-rich' diet overall by finding ways to get more vegetables, fruit, beans, pulses, nuts, seeds and wholegrain foods into our diet which can be good not only for our health but the health of the planet. We should get our 5 A DAY by eating plenty of fruit and vegetables.

How do you know if food is sustainable? ›

Let's look at some ways you can know you're making sustainable choices.
  1. Look for Certification Labels. ...
  2. Buy Local Food and Ingredients. ...
  3. Choose Plant-Based Options. ...
  4. Avoid Single-Use Packaging. ...
  5. Learn About Food Production Practices. ...
  6. Environmental Impact. ...
  7. Health Benefits. ...
  8. Supporting Local Communities.
May 31, 2023

What are some sustainable habits? ›

Make it count: easy to adopt eco-friendly habits for the whole family
  • Reduce your electricity use.
  • Conserve water.
  • Recycle as a family.
  • Skip single-use items; reuse instead.
  • Buy used goods.
  • Go meatless one day a week.
  • Small changes; big impact.

What are the food choices for sustainability? ›

A good balanced diet can include many things but tends to have lots of wholegrains, fruit and veg, and less sugar, oils, fats and meat. Within this though, you should also try to eat different grains, vegetables and animals to achieve as much balance as possible.

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