Our Food Is Entwined with Climate Change and Health

It’s with a certain foreboding that I witness the stream of climate events ravage the planet. My German friend whose river community has washed away. The Turkish hamlet where I once bought olives now torched to Aegean shores. The farmers who lost their cherries in the Oregon heatwave.

And the COVID-19 virus isn’t done with us yet, as the Delta variant comes marching through.

Our health and vitality depend on the food we eat. As fires, floods, and heat decimate the land and the food we grow upon it, I take pause to reflect.

How can we maintain vibrant health amid climate chaos?

In the age of COVID-19, a poor diet is almost as great a threat to life as cancer.

Last month The National Food Strategy, an independent review commissioned by the U.K. government, was released. It found that obese people are 150% more likely to be admitted to intensive care with COVID-19, and people with Type 2 diabetes are 81% more likely to die from the virus.  

The good news is that you can maintain a high-quality life by eating Organic food and staying active.

Begin with breakfast. Morning meals jumpstart your metabolism, giving you the strength and energy to move forward.

• Organic Oatmeal – This is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that can help get things running smoothly for the rest of the day
• Organic Pasture Raised Eggs – Packed with protein and low in saturated fats, which promote good health, including heart health
• Organic Yogurt – high in calcium with a good dose of digestive bacteria, which can ward off disease.

Whats for lunch? It’s essential to keep yourself energized and alert as the climate changes. Finding nutritious Organic food is easy at home or out and about. Including health bars ensures you get all the nutrients you need on the go.

• The Simple Sandwich – Pack your Organic bread or wrap with Organic grilled vegetables, cheese and greens.   
• Grilled organic chicken – A healthy source of protein that’s also low in saturated fats.
• Organic Salads – loaded with organic olives, greens and tomatoes will keep you well. 

Dinner Dining. Remember to eat your last meal 3-4 hours before bedtime and take it easy on the wine. You’ll enjoy a sound slumber with vigorous dreams.  Dinner options can be the following:

• Grilled sustainable caught fish – More nutritious than meat because of higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
• Organic tofu with rice – A good source of protein and low in fat.
• Loads of organic green veggies – grilled, steamed, raw are good sources of vitamins, and minerals, an excellent source of dietary fiber.
• Organic ice-cream topped with fruit – Fruit provides fiber and energy from natural sugars, while the ice-cream is just naughty.

If you’re looking for inspiration, The Organic Center has great recipe ideas to feed your family healthy and organic meals. Each dish comes with a side of science on the nutritional and environmental benefits of the Organic ingredients used.

Stay Strong Exercise and Maintain a Healthy Weight

• Don’t let your sweet tooth bite into your progress. Sugary foods and drinks can increase your risk of getting diabetes. If you’re trying to lose weight and stay healthy, avoid those cakes, candies, and other sweet foods or have them in moderation. Eat organic sugar with restrain. You’re going to need gusto in the days and years ahead as the climate changes.

Why Organic?

Organic food is produced with strict standards regulated by the USDA. You won’t get artificial flavors, colors, (GMOs), or dangerous pesticides and herbicides with organic food.

Believe it!  This article published in Organic Produce News highlights a study by Dr. Charles Benbrook on pesticide exposure. It found, “A person consuming 4-5 servings of conventional produce a day is almost certainly ingesting over 10 different pesticide residues day in and day out.”

As more people say no to the chemicals, organic is easier to buy! Most supermarkets have organic food shelves, and some even have whole organic sections complete with different items like fresh produce, meat, dairy products, grains, and snacks.

What are the benefits of choosing organic? Follow the science!

Research from The Organic Center shows that when you choose organic, you’re getting more of the good stuff and none of the toxic synthetic chemicals. Studies have demonstrated that Organic can have positive impacts on our health because organic foods can provide:

• Better nutrition
• More disease-fighting antioxidants
• More of the healthy omega 3 fatty acids
• No controversial pesticides or fertilizers
• No antibiotics
• No synthetic growth hormones

Eating Organic is not only good for you, but it’s also good for Mother Earth.

Agriculture is one of the largest polluters of our waterways and environments – but organic farming practices work with the earth to lessen the effects of climate change and foster healthier ecosystems. Studies have demonstrated the positive impacts of Organic on the environment, such as:

• Healthier soil and better water quality
• Combat’s climate change by sequestering carbon
• Fosters more biodiversity
• Humane animal treatment
• Fewer greenhouse gas emissions
• No controversial chemical pollution

Carbon emissions are driving the Climate emergency.

According to the UN’s Food and Ag Organization, “the food sector currently accounts for around 30 percent of the world’s total energy consumption, and our food systems are heavily dependent on fossil fuels. The great challenge the world now faces is to develop global food systems that emit fewer GHG emissions while at the same time support food security and sustainable development.”

It’s clear that we must find a sustainable way to feed our growing population. Eating Organic is a way to help slow the effects of climate change and keep us strong as the COVID calamity continues.

What’s on your plate today?

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