October 20, 2017
My quest for a healthier lifestyle has been deepened and multiplied through my passion for sustainability and realizing it all fits together in the grand scheme of life.
Healthy Eating Habits and Sustainability
There are a few different reasons I believe eating well and being healthy are sustainable, one being that I really think everything is either sustainable or unsustainable. There may be some grey areas, but for the most part I believe this to be true. Here are a few key reasons to back up my theories:
Less money spent on health care – If you eat properly and exercise regularly your body will function closer to how it is meant to. This means a much less chance to develop major diseases or even the common cold or the flu. Think about how much money is spent every year on cold medication alone not to mention the millions more spent on fighting other diseases! When your body is in good health your immune system is more able to fight off anything that tries to take it down. Less money being spent on health care means more money to spend on organic food, and eco-friendly household products.
More of your energy excerpted = Less dirty energy used – If you exercise as a part of your daily routine (not just in a gym), you can save other energy being used. An example of that is walking or biking to work if you live close enough. You get the benefit of burning your own energy (calories) instead of burning fossil fuels by using a car. The same goes for using your car for anything, if you can bike or walk, it’s better for you and the environment.
Buying healthy food is better for the environment – Food that is healthier for your body is always healthier for the earth as well. Organic foods have more nutrients in it and less pollutants from pesticides/insecticides etc as well as being much more flavourful! Here is an article detailing many compelling reasons to support and consume organic foods: http://www.organic.org/articles/showarticle/article-206
Consuming less meat – Buying less meat and more vegetarian protein can be better for your body because there is less fat and more fibre not to mention it also saves money. It also benefits the earth and other humans. This is because so much of the worlds agricultural land is used to grow feed for animals which humans then consume. Eating less meat means eventually the demand will go down and the market will reflect that with more vegetarian proteins and vegetables being grown instead. This plus a better distribution system could help the hundreds of millions humans on earth who are undernourished.
The bottom line is that when you make healthier choices you are happier and when you are happier you are more productive. Being more productive means you can help me solve all the problems of sustainability in the world! So help your self and help the planet by consciously eating healthier foods and incorporating physical activity into your daily life.
