Live. Eat. Replenish.
The importance of good health and increased immunity has been brought to the forefront in the post COVID world.
We have also seen that how quickly mother earth has regenerated itself when we humans were locked down in our homes. It's high time we tuned in with nature.
The food you eat plays a major role in building immunity and keeping you healthy. Here are some tips to get nutritious food and at the same time heal the earth.
Recognize that real food is different from food-like substances. Food is what will make you healthy. Food-like substances are mostly chemicals made in the factory. They are anything that did not exist before the packaging industry evolved. For eg. kurkure, potato chips, soft drinks, fruit lollies, candies, roll-ups, frozen desserts (which are dairy-free), etc. Less packaged foods mean less processed foods (a healthy option for you) and also less pollution by the discarded wrappers. A win- win solution.
Just because its edible, doesn't mean its food!
Go organic. The farm soil has been exploited to get better yields for decades now. It will be good for the earth (and us!) if we as consumers, encourage organic farming (no fertilizers or pesticides).
Eat seasonal. Fresh and in-season produce is not only packed with nutrients, but they are also easier on the pocket. It also helps prevent food waste, since most farmers/sellers don't have adequate storage facilities, and what they can't sell goes to the dump.
Eat Local. Local foods are not only seasonal (which maximises nutrient availability) they also support the local community. The cost of imported exotic produce and the emmissions required by the transporters to get them to your supermarket is huge, so, its better not only for your pocket but also for the planet to take on the local alternatives. Also, ditch the plastic carry bags. Take a cloth bag or a basket to collect your veggies instead.
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Cook at home. Home-cooked food is not only cheaper, it's healthier and can be customized to individuals very easily. It also brings the family together. Read more about it here.
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Grow your veggies. We have stayed too far away from farms and have forgotten their importance in our survival. If you are lucky to have space, grow a vegetable garden or plant a few herbs in your high-rise apartment. Plants also make you feel better about your living space. Gardening has mental health benefits too!
Composting. Cheap fertilizer for your prized herbs and reducing waste at the same time. Composting is really a no brainer. Just add all the waste parts of plants in a any empty bin and stir it every 10 days to air it. Within a few weeks you will have struck soil gold!
Plant a tree. Even if you dont have your own space to plant, you can help by donating a tree to your local parks or engage in the planting drives done by the local government or NGOs.
A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they will never sit in.
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