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7. Where Do the Sustainable Production of Food & A Healthy Diet Cross Paths?

One of the problems that may be inhibiting a wider uptake in the production of more sustainable foods and change to a healthier diet is the complex issues involved.  What actually constitutes sustainable production and what exactly is a truly healthy diet without influence from government agencies? Where do the two intersect? It is a global necessity to better integrate these two aspects in order to promote an overall healthier food consumption. The idea is to encourage a worldwide sustainable food distribution and production.  If healthier foods are demanded, then it follows that supply of such will meet those demands. The same goes for sustainability. Sustainable Production or Sustainable Consumption? The main players with the most interest in sustainability are the farmers. They have to embrace a method of food production that is both economical and practical. By raising the awareness of both sustainable consumption and production to the public, key influencers and food producers, a healthy food system and diet can be interlinked. This will lead to more informed choices being made on how to farm and what to eat. Food, Health, and Well-Being By and large, a healthy diet will have less impact on the environment. This is where the sustainable production of food and a healthy diet crosses paths. A sustainable diet is categorized as one that

• respects biodiversity and protects ecosystems
• is culturally acceptable
• is accessible, affordable and economically fair
• is nutritionally adequate, safe and healthy
• optimizes natural and human resources

These practices benefit the globe and the population. The well-being of the planet and the health-conscious eater are connected.   The Food in A Healthy Diet Is Conveniently Sustainable The principles set out for healthy and low carbon eating are very simple. Anyone wishing to make a change for the better can eat more plants, especially in-season fruits and vegetables. Be aware of the vegetables and fruits that may be imported or require large amounts of water to flourish. They use up one of the most vital of life needs – water. Endeavour to waste less food (30% of store-bought food is unconsumed and goes into the garbage). Stale or wilted foodstuffs can be turned into soup or cooked up for family pets. Be attentive to unnecessary packaging and go shopping for produce with a reusable basket or sack. Eat less meat. This does not mean to cut meat out of the meal plan altogether – just eat smaller portions. Meat-Free Mondays is an easy way to opt for sustainable and healthy and is a good choice for budget pressed households too. By eating less processed food, the health of the planet and the person come together as they are resource intensive to manufacture, come in polluting packaging and contain eye-watering levels of sugars, fats, and salt. Those who try to consume only certified ingredients that have a proven sustainability record are feeding the body with foods that are closer to nature and nature will benefit from this kind of eating plan.