Changing to a sustainable diet meant more for Marina than just improved personal health. “I came to see that the planet suffered from my daily diet,” she says. “So I started dining in a way that nourished the surroundings as well as my body.”
Marina starts her approach with seasonal, locally grown food. This not only guarantees that fruits and vegetables are fresher and more delicious but also helps to lower the carbon footprint connected with long-distance driving.
“I enjoy visiting neighborhood markets run by local farmers,” she explains. “This is a fantastic chance to find unusual ingredients and help small businesses.”
Marina stresses healthful grains such quinoa, brown rice, and oats when deciding on her weekly menu. She combines them with lean meats, low processed meals, and nutrient-dense veggies. She also notes that frozen vegetables can be a sustainable alternative. “They are picked at perfect ripeness; freezing increases shelf life so preventing waste.”
Sustainable dining, then, is about cutting waste as much as it is about the kind of cuisine. Marina uses meal planning to effectively run through all of her ingredients. She either uses leftovers for new dishes or stores them for lunch the following day. Marina says, “turning leftover roasted veggies into a hearty omelet or veggie wrap keeps things interesting.”
Apart from the dinner, Marina includes good practices in her way of life. Whenever she can, she rides to work to keep active and help her stay in shape while also lowering emissions. She also gives hydration top priority and carries a reusable water bottle with her everywhere. “It’s a little step, but it makes a big difference,” she adds.
Another area Marina concentrates on is portion control. Mindful eating and appreciating every meal will help stop overindulgence and guarantee that food is not wasted. She usually asks for half portions or shares a meal to save needless leftovers when dining out. She says, “I’ve learned that sustainable living is about making daily, little decisions with awareness.”
Following Marina’s advice can help you adopt a lifestyle not only better for you but also more environmentally friendly. Making local and seasonal produce top priority, cutting food waste, and including deliberate behaviors into your daily schedule will have a big influence. After all, Marina notes, “True wellness comes when we care for both ourselves and the world around us.”