Our bodies rely on energy to operate properly. Exercising, thinking critically, and even our organ functions rely on power taken from the food we eat. What we choose to consume also controls our overall health. Too much of a harmful substance can make us sick, drain our energy, and leave lasting implications. Yet by choosing healthy options, we are able to not only better fuel our bodies, but we can treat the Earth better too. Here are some of the easiest and best ways to make healthy choices based on the nutrition labels of your food.
1. 100% Juice
If you’re drinking a fruity drink, the label will tell you how much is actually made from juice. By picking something that is completely made of juice, you’re making sure that unnecessary chemicals and additives aren’t mixed in. Additionally, when factories need to operate less and fewer things need to be refined, emissions from energy decrease. Thus, fewer ingredients and processing means your choice is better for the environment.
2. Organic
If something is organic, that means that it is grown and created without chemical fertilizers, artificial additives, or pesticides. These three are extremely harmful to soil, biodiversity, insects, and your own health as well. By looking for the word organic on your produce and grocery store pickups, you can avoid these unnecessary and damaging practices.
3. Buying Local
Any time that you are able to buy a product that was grown or made locally, you are making a good decision. This is because you’re able to help the local economy, the Earth, and yourself. By reducing transportation, you are helping limit harmful greenhouse gas emissions. You’re also much more likely to be getting an item that hasn’t gone through many stages of processing or is full of harmful chemicals and preservatives. While sometimes more expensive, buying local from a farmer’s market or independently owned shop is a great and healthy choice to make if you’re able to.
4. Plant-Based Foods
Animal agriculture is a huge reason for the acceleration of deforestation and climate change. Additionally, commercial farms often mistreat and mishandle their animals. By choosing alternatives that are made from plants, you can get the same great nutrition you require without harming animals or further contributing to the warming of the planet.
5. Fair Trade
Unfortunately, the process that some foods go through is not always great. In order to create what’s on your dinner plate, people are mistreated, abused, and taken advantage of. The World Fair Trade Organization is working to change this. If your food has a Fair Trade label, you can rest easy knowing it has come with fair prices for farmers, safer conditions, and protects the environment.
Key Takeaways
Not all food is created equal. Here’s what you should remember when choosing your next products.
The nutrition label offers insight into your health, safety, worker conditions, and the environmental impact of the food.
Avoiding unnecessary chemicals and additives is the healthier choice.
Plant-based products are increasing in popularity and offer healthier alternatives that protect our planet.
Our bodies rely on energy to operate properly. Exercising, thinking critically, and even our organ functions rely on power taken from the food we eat. What we choose to consume also controls our overall health. Too much of a harmful substance can make us sick, drain our energy, and leave lasting implications. Yet by choosing healthy options, we are able to not only better fuel our bodies, but we can treat the Earth better too. Here are some of the easiest and best ways to make healthy choices based on the nutrition labels of your food.
1. 100% Juice
If you’re drinking a fruity drink, the label will tell you how much is actually made from juice. By picking something that is completely made of juice, you’re making sure that unnecessary chemicals and additives aren’t mixed in. Additionally, when factories need to operate less and fewer things need to be refined, emissions from energy decrease. Thus, fewer ingredients and processing means your choice is better for the environment.
2. Organic
If something is organic, that means that it is grown and created without chemical fertilizers, artificial additives, or pesticides. These three are extremely harmful to soil, biodiversity, insects, and your own health as well. By looking for the word organic on your produce and grocery store pickups, you can avoid these unnecessary and damaging practices.
3. Buying Local
Any time that you are able to buy a product that was grown or made locally, you are making a good decision. This is because you’re able to help the local economy, the Earth, and yourself. By reducing transportation, you are helping limit harmful greenhouse gas emissions. You’re also much more likely to be getting an item that hasn’t gone through many stages of processing or is full of harmful chemicals and preservatives. While sometimes more expensive, buying local from a farmer’s market or independently owned shop is a great and healthy choice to make if you’re able to.
4. Plant-Based Foods
Animal agriculture is a huge reason for the acceleration of deforestation and climate change. Additionally, commercial farms often mistreat and mishandle their animals. By choosing alternatives that are made from plants, you can get the same great nutrition you require without harming animals or further contributing to the warming of the planet.
5. Fair Trade
Unfortunately, the process that some foods go through is not always great. In order to create what’s on your dinner plate, people are mistreated, abused, and taken advantage of. The World Fair Trade Organization is working to change this. If your food has a Fair Trade label, you can rest easy knowing it has come with fair prices for farmers, safer conditions, and protects the environment.
Key Takeaways
Not all food is created equal. Here’s what you should remember when choosing your next products.
The nutrition label offers insight into your health, safety, worker conditions, and the environmental impact of the food.
Avoiding unnecessary chemicals and additives is the healthier choice.
Plant-based products are increasing in popularity and offer healthier alternatives that protect our planet.