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Start for freeSustainable Cooking and Gut Health: A New Year's Guide
With the New Year around the corner, it's the perfect time to reflect on our health and sustainability practices, particularly in the kitchen. Casey Wise, a clinical nutritionist based in Brisbane, Queensland, provided us with a deep dive into sustainable cooking and its connection to gut health in a recent episode of On the House.
Understanding Sustainable Cooking
Sustainable cooking goes beyond choosing organic or plant-based ingredients; it's about cooking with the earth and environment in mind. This includes considering the source of ingredients, the cooking techniques, and the practices that minimize environmental impact. Wise suggests starting by becoming more informed about where our food comes from, advocating for local produce markets where possible and encouraging conversations with suppliers about their farming practices.
The New Year's Sustainable Resolution
The New Year offers a fresh start to implement sustainability in our cooking habits. Wise recommends:
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Planning Meals with Sustainability in Mind: Focus on purchasing ingredients with a known source, preferably local, to reduce transportation costs and environmental impact.
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Reducing Waste: Utilize the whole product, from broccoli stems to the entire piece of meat, to minimize food waste while maximizing nutrient intake.
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Holiday Considerations: The holiday period sees a significant increase in household waste. Wise advises planning sensibly for gatherings to avoid overcatering and suggests sending guests home with leftovers to ensure food doesn't go to waste.
Gut Health and Nutrition
Wise's journey into nutrition began with her personal battle with rheumatoid arthritis, leading her to discover the crucial role of gut health in overall wellness. She emphasizes the gut's connection to various systems in our body, including the immune system, mental health, and skin health. A balanced diet, focusing on macro-nutrient diversity and colorful plates, plays a vital role in supporting gut health and, consequently, our overall wellbeing.
Practical Tips for Managing Household Nutrition
Wise shares her approach to meal planning and preparation, which includes:
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Designating Time for Meal Planning: Allocating 1-2 hours each weekend to plan and prep meals for the week can help avoid decision fatigue and reliance on takeout.
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Macro-Nutrient Balanced Meals: Ensure each meal includes a healthy balance of proteins, carbs, and fats, along with a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to promote gut health.
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Utilizing the Freezer: Wise encourages the use of the freezer to store leftovers and prepped meals, reducing food waste and easing mealtime decisions during busy weeks.
Embracing Slow and Steady Changes
Wise advocates for a balanced approach to New Year's resolutions, emphasizing the importance of gradual, sustainable changes over drastic diets or restrictive eating patterns. By focusing on gut health and sustainable cooking practices, individuals can enjoy a healthier, more conscious lifestyle without succumbing to the pressure of New Year's diet culture.
In conclusion, sustainable cooking and attention to gut health offer a pathway to not only improving our personal health but also contributing to the health of our planet. As we enter the New Year, let's consider how small, sustainable changes in our daily routines can have a significant impact on our overall wellbeing and the environment.
For more insights and practical tips from Casey Wise, visit Wise Wellbeing Nutrition.
