Lifestyle and Diet

Characteristics of Sustainable Food Systems

  • Nurtures people, animals, land, community, and environment with equal respect.

  • People: Ensures nutritious food for all and fair wages for workers.

  • Animals: Prioritizes humane treatment and natural diets.

  • Land: Enhances biodiversity, uses animals to fertilize rather than pollute.

  • Community: Retains profits locally to provide jobs.

  • Environment: Reduces chemical use and transportation by emphasizing local and seasonal consumption.

Overview of Modern Diets and Philosophies

  • Revives older eating habits to sustain health instead of relying on industrialized food.

  • Sustainable meat consumption is possible (Ethical Omnivore).

  • Combines principles from various diets instead of strict deprivation.

Specific Dietary Models

  • 100 Mile Diet: Consuming foods produced within 100100 miles to support local farmers.

  • Raw Food Diet: 80/10/1080/10/10 ratio - 80 ext{%} carbohydrates from fruits/vegetables, 10 ext{%} protein, 10 ext{%} fat.

  • Slow Food Movement: Emphasizes GOOD (seasonal/local), CLEAN (environmentally friendly), FAIR (accessible and fair pay).

  • Plant Based/Whole Food Diet: Centers on whole plants, limits added oils and fats.

  • Paleo Diet: Replicates hunter-gatherer diet, excludes dairy and grains.   

  • Vegetarianism: Variations include Lacto (dairy), Ovo (eggs), Pesca (fish), Pollo (poultry).

Practical Strategies for Nutrition

  • The Organic Debate: Small changes are more sustainable; "Dirty Dozen" and "Clean Fifteen" lists help prioritize organic purchases

  • Ethical Omnivore: Eat fewer animal products, choose higher quality fresh meats.

  • Scratch Cooking: Make food from basic ingredients to avoid preservatives.