Celebrating National Nutrition Month: Tips to Promote Healthy, Sustainable Eating & 3 Amazing Recipes
March marks National Nutrition Month, a time to appreciate and raise awareness about the importance of developing healthy eating habits for our health and well-being. This year, let’s prioritize sustainable eating—choices that are not only healthy for us but also beneficial for the environment!
Why Sustainable Eating Matters
Eating sustainably supports the health of our planet by reducing waste, preserving natural resources, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. These are all crucial factors in maintaining a balanced and thriving environment. Considering that one-fifth of food is lost or wasted globally, even small changes in eating and cooking habits can make a significant difference!
Tips to Promote Healthy and Sustainable Eating
1. Buy Local and Seasonal Produce:
Choosing local and seasonal produce requires less transportation, making it a more resource-efficient and cost-effective option. Not only does this make it an eco-friendly choice, but it also supports local farmers and boosts your health at the same time. For more on the benefits of buying local, read this blog.
2. Reduce Food Waste:
To minimize food waste, start by planning your meals for the week, storing food properly, and creatively reusing leftovers to make new recipes. These small adjustments can help you save food and reduce waste significantly.
3. Use Reusable Containers:
Instead of relying on single-use plastics, opt for reusable containers, bottles, and utensils. By doing so, you can actively contribute to decreasing waste and protecting the environment.
4. Choose Plant-Based Options:
Although transitioning to plant-based meals can be challenging for many, making an effort to incorporate more plant-based foods into your routine can have a positive environmental impact. Plant-based foods typically have a lower carbon footprint than animal-based products. If you still prefer animal protein, consider reducing your consumption to just 1-2 days per week.
5. Buy Products in Bulk:
Purchasing in bulk helps reduce packaging waste, saves money, minimizes food waste, and lowers your carbon footprint. This simple yet impactful habit can support a more sustainable way of eating.
Three Sustainable Recipes:
1. Stuffed Peppers
This recipe is perfect for a hearty family dinner!
Image credit: Jeanine and Jack from Love & Lemons
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 onion
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 ½ shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked quinoa
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)
- Dice the tomatoes and onion.
- In a pan, sauté the vegetables and seasonings.
- Add quinoa and thoroughly mix until the vegetables are cooked.
- Cut the bell peppers in half and remove seeds and membranes.
- Place each bell pepper on a foil-lined dish (9×13-inch).
- Fill each bell pepper with the quinoa and vegetable mixture, then top with cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes
- Enjoy! You can also add garnishes like lettuce and sour cream if desired.
2. Chickpea and Avocado Salad Wraps
This recipe is a quick fix when you’re short on time, and it also makes for a perfect beach day lunch!
Image Credit: Ameera and Robin from Monkey & Me Kitchen Adventures
Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned chickpeas (rinsed and mashed)
- 1 ripe avocado (mashed)
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- ¼ cup chopped cucumber
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- Whole wheat wraps
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine mashed chickpeas and avocado.
- Add red onion, cucumber, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Spread the mixture onto a whole wheat wrap and roll it up.
- Enjoy! This can be served with a side of seasonal fruits.
3. Zero-Waste Vegetable Broth
This recipe makes use of vegetable scraps that would otherwise go to waste, creating a delicious and versatile dish!
Image Credit: Minimalist Baker
Ingredients:
- 4 liters of vegetable scraps (onions, carrots, celery, herbs, garlic, mushrooms)
- 5 cups of water
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Collect veggie scraps in the freezer until you have a full bag.
- Add scraps to a large pot with water, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for 2-4 hours.
- Strain the veggie scraps.
- Use the broth for any recipe that calls for stock, such as soups, rice, or risotto!
Conclusion: Sustainable Eating for a Sustainable Future
Adopting sustainable eating practices in celebration of National Nutrition Month doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By making simple decisions like choosing seasonal food, cutting waste, buying in bulk, and incorporating more plant-based meals into your routine, you can make a meaningful impact. Try adding these sustainable dishes to your meal plan for recipes that are delicious, nutritious, and eco-friendly. Small changes today can lead to a healthier future for both you and the planet.
To support Green Schools Green Future (GSGF)’s projects is to invest in building our first school in Canada for a sustainable future! As we confront more pressing environmental issues, we must provide our students the information and skills to protect the planet, which is exactly what GSGF believes and strives for. Contributions will help create a living example of sustainable education, where students can actively learn, and practice eco-conscious behavior. Together, we can build a better tomorrow!
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References:
“Taco Stuffed Peppers.” Floridamilk.com, 27 Feb. 2025, www.floridamilk.com/in-the-kitchen/recipes/dinner/taco-stuffed-peppers.stml. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
Weeden, Meaghan. “9 Tips for Sustainable Eating.” One Tree Planted, 19 Nov. 2024, onetreeplanted.org/blogs/stories/9-tips-sustainable-eating?srsltid=AfmBOoonCNWf0dNolNdtgpq_x9vZ8o6QwZHcewPzkF_OgBLZYKFEvyRl. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
World Food Programme. “5 Facts about Food Waste and Hunger | World Food Programme.” Www.wfp.org, World Food Programme, 25 June 2024, www.wfp.org/stories/5-facts-about-food-waste-and-hunger.
Kitchen. “12 Fixes to Healthy.” 12 Fixes to Healthy, 21 Feb. 2018, www.12fixes.com/recipes/kitchen-scraps-vegetable-stock/. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
“Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers.” Love and Lemons, https://www.loveandlemons.com/vegetarian-stuffed-peppers/. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
Ameera and Robin. “Avocado Chickpea Salad Wrap.” Monkey and Me Kitchen Adventures, 27 June 2018, https://monkeyandmekitchenadventures.com/avocado-chickpea-salad-wrap/. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
“Easy 1-Pot Vegetable Broth.” Minimalist Baker, https://minimalistbaker.com/easy-1-pot-vegetable-broth/. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
