Resolutions for the New Year

Wintery Kale

For the past two years, this blog has explored issues of food, health, politics, and the environment. I've had many readers tell me they enjoy reading the posts because it makes them think about food in a new way. This post is all about how to turn those thoughts into action. Whether you are already "eating green" or new to the idea that our food choices play a role in climate change and ecological degradation, if you want to reduce your footprint, setting a resolution can help you focus your energy.

The new year is a busy time for dietitians, as people's motivation to make changes they've been considering for a while seems to peak, they seek out the help of professionals they trust. While the most common resolution is to lose weight, I thought I'd share some sustainable nutrition resolution ideas (these are actually tips recycled from an Earth Day post a couple years back--how appropriate.)

Research shows people tend to be more successful when their goals are "SMART", Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. For example, if you want to increase your consumption of locally grown foods, your goal could be, "I will visit the winter farmer's market at least four times this winter," or, "I will have at least one local food at each meal," or, "I will purchase a CSA share in a local farm..." you get the picture, right? When you are accountable to a goal (and to yourself) you can check in, see how you are doing, and revise to suit your life as needed. So the following goals are just to get you started. Research also shows that making your resolution public can increase your chances of success, so If you set a goal, leave a comment and let me know your progress.

My personal resolution is to write a monthly blog post highlighting the issues surrounding individual food groups; grains, vegetables, beans, fruit, meat, dairy, fish, water, and so on. I will, of course, include additional posts on timely food related articles, issues, and updates, but each month readers can expect a blog post focusing on one food group with tips on how to choose foods for personal, community, and planetary health.

Ten Resolution Ideas for A More Sustainable Diet:

1. Eat More Locally. Support your community by buying locally. Local foods are high in flavor and nutrition as well as "low carb"-- low in carbon emissions.
   
2. Buy Organic. Not just for the birds and the bees; our entire ecosystem (ourselves included) benefits from responsible agriculture.
3. Grow your own food. In your garden you can plant heirloom seeds, grow them organically, and eat them quite locally in your own backyard.
   
4. Eat less meat. Feed lot meat is carbon-intensive. Go grass fed or vegetarian.
   
5. Cook more often. Make more time to be in the kitchen. Highly processed and packaged foods take a lot of energy to make and transport.
   
6. Compost. Take your food scraps out of the landfill and turn them into "black gold" for your garden.
   
7. Bag it yourself. Instant karma. Bring bags with you when you shop.
   
8. Pay more, eat less. Consider paying a higher percentage of your income on food. Food insecurity is a real issue in many households in this country and the world beyond. However, we spend less time working to get food on our plates than ever before in history. (Is that cable t.v more important than the organic milk?)
9. Plan ahead. From packing a lunch to preserving apples, planning ahead can help you avoid buying energy intensive convenience foods that you don't really want.
   
10. Educate. Share meals and ideas. Request local, organic, and sustainable foods at your favorite restaurants and grocery stores and encourage others to join you.