As we celebrate  #WorldFoodDay on October 16^th we discuss some tips on the blog on how you can adopt a more sustainable diet and help the environment!

Get more fruit & veg!

Choosing to eat more plant-based food is one sure fire way to ensure a sustainable diet. Fruit and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals and come with low impact on the environment. This is one of the WWF’s ‘Livewell Principles’ for healthy low carbon eating.

Eat with the seasons

Many of the fruit and vegetables available to us nowadays in our supermarkets are flow from all corners of the globe. To reduce our carbon footprint and be more sustainable, try to eat locally and with the seasons. Find Bord Bia’s advice here on seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Try #MeatlessMondays

Meatless Monday is an international movement to help people reduce their meat consumption. The movement suggests that leaving meat off your plate on a Monday will help reduce your risk of chronic preventable conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. It also has shown that periodic health prompts lead to positive behaviour change. When you schedule in a #MeatlessMonday it is a recurring reminder to start your week off on a sustainable note!

Pick sustainably sourced fish

Though we are a nation surrounded by the sea, we do not consume as much fish as we should! However, some of the fish we do choose can be unsustainable such as salmon or cod. To combat this try expanding your seafood horizons and try fish that are in season! For example in November fish that are plentiful are: Black Sole, Herrings, Sprats, Langoustines, Oysters, Scallops, Mussels and Prawns.

Choose wholegrains

Highly processed grains have added sugars and preservatives that can be harmful to your wellness and the environment. Products with production intensive processes such as white bread take more grains to produce one loaf than wholegrain products. One way to increase these in your diet could be to cook a pot of quinoa at the start of the week then adding scoops to your meals! It means a healthy carbohydrate and protein boost while saving time, energy and packaging.

Grow your own

Much of the fruit and vegetables we eat has traversed hundreds of kilometres to reach us. Carbon emissions from transport and refrigeration are a huge contributor to climate change. Therefore growing your own is an effective way to adopt a more sustainable diet. Creating a food garden in your home or in your community will let you enjoy pesticide free and truly fresh food!