Home Cooking Sustains Us and the Environment

I’m energized about the fact that many people returned to cooking in 2020. Of course, there wasn’t much choice - and the impact of COVID on human lives, our artisan restaurants and other small businesses has been immense. But now we are seeing layers of sustainable benefits due to an entire shift in the food system: better for our personal finances, for our families’ nutrition, and for the environment. 

Consider the impacts of preparing foods at home.  Spending less on food supports personal financial sustainability. Trying new recipes (using wider varieties of fresh, frozen and pantry ingredients) benefits our bodies with nutrition sustainability. Shifting purchasing habits toward more local, higher quality foods, improves environmental sustainability.

So cooking at home saves money; eating whole and less-processed foods leads to better nutrition; and more people choosing quality ingredients, means we have a massive impact on modern-day agriculture.

Truly, our planet simply cannot sustain the thousands of chemicals that contaminate every aspect of nature and the complex food system. New research indicates we’re consuming more toxins daily than the nutrients we need for basic human function.

In fact, it’s nearly impossible to talk sustainable eating habits without discussing toxic load. We must reduce toxins in our diet (and soil, air, water) to improve nutrition absorption and gut health. Science proves lower levels of food toxins means more nutrient density, so our cells function better, and we experience fewer hormone imbalances, improved metabolism and better energy, mood and sleep. Imagine the monumental improvement in human health!

At home, we might say - but, we just need to put dinner on the table! So here are four small, daily changes for a more sustainable diet that can maximize your budget, prep time and presence with nature.

1. Start Small.

Buy organic, local grains, beans, lentils and other pantry goods in bulk – yep, cheaper! – and often less packaging. At first, it may take more time to prepare bulk, dried goods. But the learning curve is minimal. Soon, it becomes natural to soak grains and legumes overnight before cooking (they literally just sit in water). Soak beans monthly in big batches, and freeze leftovers in small bags to defrost in minutes. Grains can be doubled and easily added to soup, stir fry, tacos and one-pot meals. Plan B: keep canned beans or lentils on hand and skip grain soaking when pressed for time.

2. Eat More Plant-Based Foods.

Definitely more “sustainable” than eating cow or pig daily, or mercury contaminated seafood from overfished waters. Eat smaller cuts vs. a giant steak filling your plate. Or replace meat 1-2 times per week with extra veggies and beans or lentils, then meditate on your improved carbon footprint (blood circulation, nutrition, organ function – shall I go on?). You’ll save money, too. Local, pasture-raised beef may cost more up front, but a pound is spread over more meals.

3. Shop the Frozen Aisle.

So many organic, frozen veggies and fruits are already chopped, picked at peak ripeness, often on sale, and typically cheaper than the fresh version during the off-season.

4. Eat with Intention.

The way we eat has a short- and long-term effect on our wellbeing. For example, it may feel sustainable to eat at your desk (to accomplish more) or to eat dessert every night (because we live only once), but it’s more sustainable for your body’s metabolism to eat while doing nothing else (challenging, I know) and to actually fast between dinner and breakfast (not just a health trend). When we just eat, the intention is to focus only on our food and our body’s incredible ability to digest, absorb and use the energy from our food. Besides many physiological benefits, eating mindfully also shifts our sentiments to an energy of gratitude for the miracles of nature and humankind. This perspective would benefit many of us right now.

When you commit to sustainable dietary habits, your pocketbook, your mind-body and family’s health will thank you. And, even a tiny, positive impact on the environment is adds up over time.

Happy cooking and eating!