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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
The Earth Day Diet
Submitted by: Marilyn Gordon, Ed.D., RD, CSSD, LDN
Registered Dietitian, Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist
Since the month of April is celebrated as “Earth Month” http://www.epa.gov/gogreen/ and April 22 as “Earth Day” http://www.epa.gov/earthday/ , I propose the “Earth Day Diet.” How should someone eat to minimize their carbon footprint and maximize their nutrition?
The greenest diet is a vegan diet which excludes all animal products. Scientific studies have used the vegan diet to lower the undesirable LDL cholesterol, to reduce blood pressure, and to normalize blood glucose levels. Both meat and dairy are the two highest contributors to pollution of our water, soil, and atmosphere.
So on your Earth Day diet, find a substitution for dairy; may I suggest non-GMO (genetically modified organism) soy milk, rice milk, or almond milk? There are also tasty substitutions for dairy cheese and yogurt products available.
Excluding all beef, poultry, pork, and seafood products are easily done (at least for this one day). Great, nutritious substitutions are: tofu, black beans, edamame, chickpeas, hummus, nuts, nut butters and seeds.
The good news is that you can freely eat from an abundance of locally grown organic fruits and vegetables. The closer they are grown to home, the fewer burdens on the environment and you will be helping out your local economy. Consult your physician if you have special dietary restrictions.
Here is the “Earth Day Diet” Menu:
All produce and products are organic if available. Drink filtered water or green tea.
Breakfast:
Fresh Fruit
Soy or Almond Milk Yogurt
Oatmeal with Cinnamon and Walnuts
Lunch:
Whole Wheat Pita bread filled with Hummus
Romaine lettuce and vine ripened tomato
Red bell pepper strips and carrots
Apple
Snack:
Dried berries/cherries and almonds
Dinner:
Spicy Tofu Stir Fry in olive/canola oil
Brown Rice
Vegetable medley: garlic, onions, mushrooms, peppers, kale or spinach
Dessert: break off a piece of organic, dairy free, dark chocolate (yes, it exists!)
Using this “Eating Green Calculator” offered by Center for Science in the Public Interest, calculate the effects of your diet on your health and the planet. http://www.cspinet.org/EatingGreen/calculator.html.