As a nutritionist, one of the things that I am passionate about is sustainable eating and cooking practices. It’s not just about what we eat, but knowing where it’s come from and how we prepare it that can make a big difference in our health and the health of our community and our land. It’s one of the major reasons why I started running hands-on cooking classes that include sustainable practices. You’ll see when you come to my classes, food scraps are kept for compost, food is used in as many ways possible and I try to run classes that utilise seasonal ingredients.
Sustainable eating means choosing foods that are good for both our bodies and the environment. It’s all about making conscious choices that support long-term health. One way you can this is to eat a diet rich in vegetables and fruits. Plants are the foundation of a healthy diet and they have a much lower environmental impact than animal-based foods. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up meat entirely. It’s about making achoice to eat less meat and more plant-based foods. The common term for tis way of eating is Flexitarian.
When it comes to cooking sustainably, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, try to use local and seasonal ingredients as much as possible. This reduces the carbon footprint of your food by eliminating the need for long-distance transportation. Plus, local and seasonal foods are often fresher and tastier than those that have been shipped from far away.
Another important consideration is reducing food waste. This means using up all parts of the ingredients you have, such as using carrot tops in pesto or making stock out of chicken bones. It also means planning meals ahead of time and only buying what you need. Cooking in batches and freezing leftovers is a great way to reduce food waste and save time in the kitchen.
My hands-on cooking classes are an excellent way to learn these sustainable cooking techniques and more. During each class you’ll learn how to choose and prepare ingredients, how to cook meals efficiently, and how to reduce food waste. Plus, you’ll get to taste your creations and take home new recipes to try out on your own.
Cooking classes also offer the opportunity to connect with other people within our community. You’ll learn from each other and share tips and tricks for making healthy, sustainable meals at home.
Sustainable eating and cooking is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and a healthy community. By adding more plant-based foods into your diet, using local and seasonal ingredients, reducing food waste, and coming along to my hands-on cooking classes, you can make a positive impact on your health and the environment. So, grab a friend and sign up for a cooking class today!
