Being sustainable is in fashion, isn't it? Being environmentally aware and caring for the planet and its natural resources is a speech that has been part of the most diverse areas of society. Sustainability has opened the eyes of people and businesses to changing harmful habits on the planet and to developing and sharing good ideas that help us grow together with the world.

Since this issue began to gain prominence, we have seen projects of houses, furniture, clothing and cosmetics that came to bear the seal of sustainability. But at some point did you think that our diet could also take these concepts into consideration to improve our health and preserve the planet?

In the midst of this turmoil of information, there has been a movement that values ​​the pursuit of healthy eating, with the belief that through changing eating habits it is possible to live healthier and still help the planet.

Slow food

Planning a balanced diet and maintaining it daily is a privilege of the few. In the daily rush, it is very easy to eat calorie, fatty and unhealthy foods. At these times, the famous fast food ends up being the most practical alternative. But we know that foods sold by major restaurant chains around the world do not guarantee proper nutrition with healthy habits.

Against this modern fast-food culture - where the whole process, from growing vegetables to growing animals to preparing dishes, takes place in record time thanks to the use of harmful hormones and pesticides on human health and the environment. environment - there is a new current that wants to appreciate the natural happening of things: slow food .

The new movement has as its watchword ecogastronomy and is gaining more and more fans. But have you heard of that? Ecogastronomists and idea enthusiasts advocate the use of fresh ingredients grown without any pesticides in order to value local food flavors without giving up important factors such as environmental awareness, social responsibility, agricultural biodiversity and sustainability. .

The ecogastronomic diet

There are three adjectives that simply define the ideal of a food that complies with the principles of ecogastronomy: good, clean and fair.

Good means fresh, tasty, seasonal and capable of stimulating the senses. Slow food enthusiasts believe that the pursuit of pleasure must be combined with our diet. Therefore, everything we consume must have quality, good origin and allow the meeting with the pleasure of good cooking.

Clean points directly to the means of producing meat, fruits, vegetables and derivatives. Cultivation and breeding must respect nature, preserve the ecosystem and the environment. It is crucial that the process does not harm the health of the earth or that of man.

Fair is the adjective that will deal with trade relations. The terms and payment should be beneficial to everyone involved in the process. Producers, traders and consumers need to be in compliance with social justice.

These three principles also summarize other important characteristics for ecogastronomy: the enhancement and recovery of regional cuisine, personal interest in food itself, the preservation of endangered plant and animal species and the impact that changing eating habits can have on the environment. world.

Good for you, good for the planet

In addition to being a balanced and planet-friendly alternative, ecogastronomy also provides a healthy weight loss.

Basically, a diet that follows the principles of ecogastronomy should be based on the consumption of fresh foods and preferably of organic origin. Such a diet is rich in color and texture and you can explore local and seasonal flavors to create tasty dishes.

When choosing this type of diet, it is natural that the consumption of fats, sugars and salts decrease considerably, allowing the weight loss to happen in a natural and fully balanced way.

Simple Steps to Conscious Eating

Ecogastronomy is not meant to be a major revolution in the diet of each of us. It only proposes a process of awareness and a new look at the relationship we have with our diet.

For this reason, it is quite simple to adhere to a conscious diet. There are already restaurants and stores that specialize in providing products that meet the principles of this type of food. However, you can check out some practical tips to do at home and enjoy the benefits of ecogastronomy:

• Grow some little plants at home. Spices are ideal for those with limited space as they can be placed in small bowls. If you have a garden, you can grow small vegetables. By having fresh, pesticide-free plants in your own backyard, your diet can be even more diverse and tasty;

• Meat, fruits, vegetables and organic products are grown in a healthier way, which does not require the use of pesticides, fertilizers and pesticides, as well as preserving the environment. Whenever possible, give preference to these foods;
• Each season reveals a wide variety of different foods. Another factor that influences variety is the region in which we live. Take advantage of these two factors to include in your diet fruits and vegetables produced in your area. By buying these products, you help preserve the local culture and still spend less because they are often cheaper;
• Cattle farming is one of the most collaborative processes for the greenhouse effect. A diet based on vegetables, fruits, grains and cereals is healthier for you and the planet. When you want to consume some kind of meat, be sure to look for the organic versions of the products;
• Prefer fresh foods, which are much healthier than processed foods. In addition, the industrialization process makes the product more expensive. We must still take into account the amount of preservatives and other chemicals added to foods to last longer. Also remember that factories consume large amounts of energy and generate much more waste during industrialization;

• Whenever possible, schedule your weekly menu. With advance planning and a shopping list, you can find fresh and healthy versions of all the ingredients you need while avoiding food waste;
• Try it in the kitchen. Make unusual combinations and seek pleasure in food - from preparation to tasting. Have fun while preparing food and taste unique flavors created by you.