Photo by Daria Shevtsova from Pexels

According to recent statistics, in the US. 36.5% of the population is obese, and another 32% is overweight. In total, more than two-thirds of the population is outside their healthy weight range! Aside from affecting self-image and confidence, being obese or overweight comes with a range of complications including high levels of inflammation, reduced mobility, and a higher risk of deadly illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. 

If you have decided to live a healthier lifestyle in 2022, you should start with what you eat – and not just focus on restrictive diets. Here are some tips to make your food shopping healthier and better for your life. 

Learn How To Eat in Accordance With the Season

Thanks to international transportation and highly sophisticated growing systems, today you can enjoy your favorite foods and ingredients all year round. While this is certainly something to enjoy, it is impossible to ignore the environmental consequences of thsi way of eating. 

If you are looking to live more sustainably and reduce your impact on the environment, you could consider learning to eat in accordance with the season. Of course, speaking to your local growers and farmers is an excellent starting point – but don’t forget that there are plenty of online resources you can use, including this Seasonal Food Guide. 

Opt for Local Ingredients and Local Growers

We are all used to eating the foods we like independently from where they come from and how far they have to travel to land on our dinner table. Of course, there are endless benefits to it, including the fact that you can now use a greater range of products, ingredients, and even spices all year round. And, of course, you won’t have to struggle with low stock levels – which, especially for restaurants, is an important benefit. 

Nonetheless, this way of eating has been damaging the planet and creating much more human-related CO2 than it’s needed. So, if you are looking for a way to earn more sustainably, you should strive to find local foods and local suppliers, such as Superior Farms. You might not find all-year-around availability of your favorite products, but it can certainly help you live better. 

Learn About Ethical Practices and Find Sustainable Producers

Not all producers, growers, and farmers are the same, and you should learn about the way your food is manufactured, processed, and delivered to your table to make informed decisions. If you are unsure, consider connecting directly with food manufacturers in your area and learning about the most ethical food-growing practices. You might even consider getting started on your own fruit and vegetable garden!

Ditch Processed Foods

Processed foods always undergo heavy processes that add chemicals, synthetic ingredients, colorants, and fragrances to your foods and drinks. Highly processed foods are also usually high in fats and refined sugar, which might not be great for your health. If you are looking to live a healthier life in 2022, you should consider opting for raw, unprocessed, wholegrain, and plant-based ingredients – and transform them into delicacies with the right hacks for healthier home cooking!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

This is a contributed post