At some point in your life, you’ve probably heard the term, “balanced meal.” If you’re unsure of what that really means, why it matters and how to create it, keep reading.
It’s no secret that many Americans fall short when it comes to eating the recommended five daily servings of fruits and veggies, despite the health benefits. Many of us know we should be eating more fruits and vegetables. So, why aren’t we getting enough? Here are some common barriers to fruit and veggie consumption, and strategies to help you add more produce to your plate.
Forty states are expected to have water shortages over the next 10 years. U.S. communities are starting to face both quality and supply issues, unrelated to drought, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). America’s agriculture sector accounts for about 80% of U.S. water consumption, according to the USDA.
And peanuts are the most water efficient of all nuts, using only 3.2 gallons of water to produce one serving (1 ounce) compared to almonds, for example, which use 28.7 gallons per ounce. Worldwide peanut production contributes to just 1% of the global water footprint, which is the measure of water used to produce goods and services.
I’m a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) who is not an advocate for extreme diets that cut out whole food groups. But there are two eating patterns I can get behind: Flexitarian and Mediterranean. I view them as eating patterns because they are relatively sustainable and health-promoting.
We’ve heard it since we were kids: Eat your veggies. But they are classically the food on the dinner plate that is least exciting, and for some, eating vegetables has felt more like an obligation than a pleasure. Now, veggies are where it’s at. In fact, chefs throughout the country are making them the priority instead of the afterthought.
More Americans than ever are interested in eating plant-based foods high in protein. You may be surprised to learn that there’s a lot of protein hiding in your pantry. To include more plant-based protein foods in your meals, consider the following items we have shared with you.
To eat consciously is not about diets, fads, or hard-and-fast rules. It’s about having straightforward, accurate information to make smart, thoughtful choices amid the chaos of conflicting news and marketing hype. Find out more in this Q&A with author, Sophie Egan.
This beautiful salad is fresh and light--with the addition of a creative duo, roasted peanuts and mint.