Sustainable nutrition, in which human health and environmental sensitivity are taken into account, is considered as the way of nutrition of the world of the future. The sustainable lifestyle habit, which has become widespread in many countries of the world, comes across in all areas of consumption in addition to sustainable nutrition. In this respect, there are signals that it will take a more important place in the environmental, social, economic and political fields every day. You can also listen to our blog post to find out what is sustainable nutrition, one of the newest trends in the world, and why it is important. In Our Article;
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What is Sustainable Nutrition?
The lifestyle and eating habits that aim to take care of our world, where natural resources are rapidly being depleted, are called sustainable nutrition. This lifestyle, equipped with principles developed against food, water and energy waste, aims to enable more people to reach clean and healthy food and water. Jul. In addition, the presence of future generations in a more livable world is one of the answers to the questions of “what is sustainable nutrition and what are its goals”. Of course, this way it is also aimed to prevent non-communicable diseases caused by nutrition.
When we search for the answer to the question of what is sustainable nutrition through official sources, we come across a more comprehensive definition. Thus, the report dated 2019, signed by WHO and FAO, is based on the fact that sustainable healthy diets improve an individual’s health and well-being. In addition, there is an elaboration that there are forms of diet that have a low environmental impact, are accessible, safe, adequate and culturally acceptable. On the other hand, among those reminded in the report that the goal of sustainable healthy eating habits is social Deceleration in addition to individual benefit. So much so that the protection of biodiversity and planetary health is supported within the scope of the diet.
Why is Sustainable Nutrition Important?
The protection of the environment is of vital importance for the continuity of the earth system. For the existence of future generations, for agricultural production to become healthy, for human and environmental health to become the focus of production, it is necessary for a world to exist in the future. Sustainable nutrition is one of the most important steps that can be taken and realized by everyone in this regard. Aside from the strategies of the government, civil society and global organizations, it is possible to choose sustainable nutrition on an individual basis and take action. Sustainable nutrition, first of all, means doing something from today for tomorrow, starting change from the core.
Although the goals set at the social level may seem utopian at first glance, we have to state that an individual protects his own health, the environment around him, material resources and food with sustainable nutrition at the most basic level. Think about it, what is sustainable nutrition? Consuming food, electricity, water without wasting, contributing to a production-based model, making healthy choices… Considering all these, you may realize that sustainable nutrition is important for yourself and your family. Of course, when you look at the picture from a slightly larger window, you offer goodness for the environment, the city, the country and even the world you live in. This is the only way a world that will respond to the needs of an increasing population will be possible. With sustainable choices, our children will wake up to a more beautiful and livable world tomorrow.
The Goals of Sustainable Healthy Diets
When you examine the goals of any form of nutrition, you can most likely find answers such as having a healthy body, losing weight, promising a fit appearance. However, the goals of sustainable healthy diets are intertwined with social goals.
- For example, supporting the development of individuals and all other living beings,
- Functional, physical, mental and social well-being of people of today and the future,
- Preventing diseases caused by malnutrition or problems such as obesity caused by improper nutrition,
- Protection of biological diversity,
- Easing concerns about the future of the world,
- Supporting clean food Jul-ture and conscious consumption,
- Efficient use of resources and re-evaluation of products,
it is among the goals of sustainable healthy diets. Dec. In this context, if you ask what are the sustainable diets that come to mind, experts evaluate the Mediterranean diet, Nordic diet, Japanese diet, vegetarian and vegan diet types in this context.
Principles of Sustainable Healthy Nutrition
The study conducted by the Lancet Commission with scientists from 16 different countries emphasizes that refined grains, added sugar, red meat and processed foodstuffs should not be among the principles of a sustainable healthy diet. Dec. Since the increase in greenhouse gases in the production of these foods is remarkable, personal and environmental sensitivities do not include these nutrients in the sustainable class. In addition, when land use, water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions are taken into account, it is obvious that animal food production poses a disadvantage in terms of sustainability. In the light of this information, among the easily predictable principles of sustainable healthy eating, we can list the following Decrees:,
- To give weight to the consumption of plant-based protein. To turn to vegetable protein sources such as pulses instead of animal foods.
- To gain habits where the processing, packaging and transportation costs are less in food consumption. For example, shopping from local producers, taking distance from packaged ready-made foods.
- Seasonal nutrition is also one of the most important pillars of sustainability. You can start by learning what seasonal vegetables and fruits are that are more environmentally friendly, both in terms of production and storage costs.
Which Vegetables and Fruits Should Be Consumed in Which Season? find out now!
To reduce food waste, you can try making compost from fruit and vegetable peels, planning weekly menus, finishing foods during the consumption period, shopping as much as you can eat.
Consuming fewer calories, turning to foods rich in nutrients, and choosing what is good for yourself by moving are also among the principles of sustainable nutrition.
You can contribute to sustainability by cooking more food at home. You should keep in mind that you can choose the best for yourself and your environment by getting out of the consumption frenzy in the industrialized food sector. (The warnings of official sources in America against food waste are worth noting)
