6 simple dietary changes that will help reduce global warming

Six simple ways you can change your diet to make a difference to the planet!

Did you know that the way we eat can be harmful to our planet (and our bodies)? Between agricultural farming, transportation of goods, genetically modified food, pesticides, unethical farming methods etc., we are quickly spiraling into a global warming crisis and vastly hurting Mother Earth. If we continue in this manner, we might have to face the consequences sooner than we think.

There is an increasing awareness about the drastic environmental impacts associated with animal agriculture, meat production and our diets in general. Studies have shown that livestock farming has contributed largely to global warming, the spreading of disease and the unjust treatment of animals. In fact, livestock farming is the number one cause of rapid climate change due to deforestation, burning of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emission and global transport. 

Another issue that is gaining recognition is not simply just the farming and consumption of meat, but the over-consumption of meat. For many people, meat is the 'heart' of meals, with other important food groups like grains and vegetables taking a backseat. It should really be the other way around! Never mind the environmental impact agricultural farming has on our planet, the over-consumption of meat comes with negative health impacts such as cardiovascular disease, fatigue, hormone imbalance and strokes.

Due to the scary truth behind animal agriculture and meat consumption, many people have chosen to switch to vegan or vegetarian diets. The trend of food-conscious humans is expanding and an increasing number of people are turning to diets which support both environmentally-friendly efforts as well as ethical values. However, many people find it difficult to convert to veganism/vegetarianism and instead of committing to the entire transition; they simply cut down on their meat intake (every effort counts!).

Here are six simple dietary changes you can make to help reduce global warming and save our planet.

1. Restructure your meal balance

Make vegetables and other fresh produce the “main event” at every meal, followed by grains, and only then meat, dairy and starches. Add Superfoods to your diet for an extra punch of nutrients - you'll find plenty of plant-based protein in Superfoods!

Browse our range of organic, eco-friendly Superfoods >

2. Support organic

Buy organic when possible, free from pesticides, GMOs, antibiotics and artificial additives. Remember, all the unhealthy additives and toxins found in many drinks and foods build-up in our systems and put strain on our liver, kidneys and other biological filtration organs. Eat clean, live clean!

By consciously buying your food, you don't only save your body from all the pesticides, GMOs, antibiotics and other artificial additives, but you help save the bee populations (they desperately need our support!), the oceans, our atmosphere and other ecological systems which are affected by these chemicals and unsustainable farming methods.

Browse our range of organic non-GMO health foods >

3. Buy local produce

Buying local produce has many benefits. The food is fresher, full of flavour, contains more nutrients and supports the local economy. When you buy from your local farmer’s market or roadside vendor, pollution and energy from transporting and storing is reduced. Don’t forget, local is lekker! 

Buying locally grown or manufactured goods means that you cut your carbon footprint right down as the items that you buy have not had to travel thousands of miles to get to you! 

3. Meat-Free Mondays

This one is for those who are not necessarily interested in cutting out meat/animal products completely. Eating less meat can reduce your carbon footprint and reduce man-made greenhouse gas emissions. It will also help to save water because livestock need huge quantities to survive.

Cutting back your meat intake can also minimise chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and even cancer. Go meatless once a week by joining in the worldwide Meatless Monday campaign and do your bit for your health and the planet. You could also go vegetarian or vegan altogether – Mother Earth will thank you!

5. Go vegetarian or vegan

While becoming a vegetarian or vegan is a big transition, many people report that once they took the step of cutting out meat/animal products, they have never looked back - and never felt better! But still, meat-eaters often ask vegans and vegetarians where they get their protein from, assuming that people who don't eat meat are deficient in protein. We encourage you to do your own research about plant-based protein, and you might be surprised to see that many plants contain more protein than meat does!

Browse our range of Superfoods packed with plant-based protein >

6. Plant a veggie garden

Start planting a veggie or herb garden to grow your fresh produce. There is nothing more local than your own back garden! As supermarket prices continue to soar, you will be cultivating your own produce at a fraction of the price and reducing the use of fossil fuels used to transport produce. Get into gardening - there’s nothing better than eating fresh organic veggies that you have grown with your hands! If you don’t have a garden, even pots of herbs or micro-greens and sprouts can go a long way in ‘growing your own’! 

Grow your own sprouts and microgreens at home >

You may think that the problem of global warming is so big that you can’t make a meaningful difference – but think again! If we all do what we can, the effect will add up. Remember this:

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” (Anne Frank)

If you have any question, please contact us or leave a comment below for FREE health advice. We always love hearing from you!