Liz Pretorius

Meat and animal products often contain more or higher amounts of nutrition. Those who get the protein and other nutrients from meat and animal products tend to be stronger and healthier (if they are taking care of themselves). They are often considered tastier as well, so there is a higher price on foods like that. Therefore, people in richer countries have more access and money to get those meat products. Although there are benefits to the nutrition we get from meat, there can be negatives when eaten in high amounts. For example, many red meats can increase cholesterol and be a threat to heart health. Not only can it be bad for the body in high amounts, our planet suffers horribly. With the high demand for meat in these high-income countries, there are a huge number of livestock being kept to keep up with demand. These animals release large amounts of carbon dioxide, and not only that, they need a LOT of food. This means not only do we have cleared fields to house our cows, but cleared fields to be filled with crops that will be used to feed these animals. It encroaches on natural ecosystems and even lands that people could occupy, releases carbon into the atmosphere, and takes up twice as much land as plant-based farming.

Supporting local farmers as well as having dependable fresh food inspires me. I love supporting local businesses and my community, even if I have to spend a little more next time. I can talk to them directly and learn about how they are running things. Most of the time they are very sustainable and I love to know exactly where my food and other items are coming from! It feels good to know exactly what you are getting while also supporting those in your community. I want the world to move more toward that mindset.

Other benefits that can come from eating smaller portion sizes are related to humans. At least in the US, it's hard for people to recognize their hunger and full cues, and having larger portions increases this issue. If we eat and serve ourselves smaller portion sizes, we will learn what our body needs and when we are full. It can help reduce overeating and then in turn we will buy less food. This could also help people financially in the long run, since they would learn (in many cases) that they don't need to buy as much food as they used to.

I added a photo of what my breakfast looked like this morning. Usually, I would take a big plate to put my food on, which usually leads me to make or add more food to fill my plate, and I end up either overeating or having to throw away food. Putting my breakfast in a small bowl helps reduce how much food I make and eat. I am trying to lose weight sustainably and healthily, and this is one way where I can do that while also being environmentally sustainable and reducing my food waste.