Giveaways
Part of any good training regimen is not only what you do with your body, but also what you put in it. As part of my own sustainable training program I’ve been doing my best to eat foods that are not only effective in getting me the right balance of carbs, proteins and calories needed for long distance running, but also to be mindful of how what I eat impacts the environment.
To help me along this path I’ve been enjoying three eco-food/cookbooks worth passing along.
For the Foodie Who Likes to Cook at Home: Big Green Cookbook
This book is chock-full of simple “planet-pleasing recipes for a luscious, low-carbon lifestyle.” It weighs in with over 200 different recipes (everything from cookies to pilaf) and also comes with a useful green kitchen checklist. Additionally, it offers tips on efficient cooking (think small appliances), green cookware and buying in season. I especially enjoyed the section on how to “Love Your Leftovers.” Written by registered dietician Jackie Newgent, each recipe offers you a complete break down of calories, total fat, carbs, cholesterol and all the other stuff you might want to know.
The book won’t necessarily be rocket science to advance eco-conscious eaters, but the recipes in Big Green Cookbook are tasty and give important access to the nutritional facts associated with each meal. Click here to get The Big Green Cookbook Online.
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For the Eager to Learn Food Reader: Go Green Get Lean
This one intrigued me right off the bat because the cover says “Lose up to 9 pounds in 2 weeks.” I haven’t put that challenge to the test yet, but I’m planning on starting it soon and will report back my results in the ydt blog. This book was written by another registered dietitian, but instead of being a traditional cookbook, it delves deeper into the issues of the carbon intensity of certain foods (American blueberries vs. Brazilian acai) and also how to get the right balance of cholesterol and omegas and how to make better food choices through “sustainable swaps” (Wild Salmon vs. Beef Loin). Go Green Get Lean also includes portion control suggestions as well for those who perk up at a weight loss promise. .
Overall this book was more of an informative read rather than a traditional cookbook (even though there are seasonal recipes included). Click here to get Go Green Get Lean
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For the Gal Who Wants a Plan to Follow: The Gorgeously Green Diet
Though it has been on the market for a while, this book is certainly worth a look. The tips suggested are overall diet/lifestyle ideas with recipes, weekly meal plans, yoga positions, supplement recommendations and even a small section on growing your own food. If you’re the type of person who wants a specific plan laid out for you, then the four-week individualized eating plan is a great way to go. The shopping lists are pretty useful too. I really loved a section entitled “As Much as You Want” for healthy snacks that are packed with antioxidants and the “Pantry Purge”, a section listing ingredients ( e.g. Olestra, high-fructose corn syrup) that you need to remove from your kitchen right away. Click here to get The Gorgeously Green Diet
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YDT Giveaway: We’re giving one autographed copy of the Big Green Cookbook away for ydt readers who shares their favorite healthy tip below!
- 24 comments
- Your thoughts?
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Comments
Amanda Crater
Nice work!
@AmandaCrater
Tanya
My favorite healthy tip is: Saute in water instead of oil! That eliminates a lot of extra fat and calories. Those books look great!
rhey
Thanks for the great cookbook recommendations. My favorite tip is: add pomegranates to your salad! They make a great easy addition and its okay to eat the seeds. In fact I think the seeds are the healthiest part, full of fiber.
Ivy
My favorite healthy tip: when steaming veggies, keep the lid on the pot! Doing this helps keep in the nutrients.
Danika Carter
Ooh, I want them all!
Danika Carter
My favorite health tip is to not put anything on your skin you wouldn’t put in your mouth…especially for your children.
Debbie
My favorite tip is one I read about on Planet Green a few months ago: only buy organic potatoes. I try to buy local and organic as much as possible anyway, but it is particularly important with potatoes because “they’re treated with fungicides during the growing season, then sprayed with herbicides to kill off the fibrous vines before harvesting. After they’re dug up, the potatoes are treated yet again to prevent them from sprouting.” Yuck!
Jeannette Lenard
My fave tip is bake don’t fry! You still get all the good fried taste without all the added fat and calories!
Sam
Health tip: consider abstaining, or reducing, your meant consumption. Animal protein is not necessary and often linked to an increased risk for Diabetes and other diseases. Try out some exciting vegetarian meals to increase health and reduce your carbon footprint.
Lynn
Thanks! I’ll add those to my reading list. Here’s a couple more:
* Food Rules by Michael Pollan http://bit.ly/9vRP8O
* The Conscious Kitchen http://bit.ly/cMCiys
Becca
Buy local, buy at farmers markets, and buy less meat. We’ve been cooking tons with beans and seasonal vegetables and loving it.
Sophia
For baking breads, use applesauce instead of butter to cut the calories.
Christy
The best way to eat green is to cut out meat and dairy from your diet. If you can’t go all the way try to have as many meatless meals as possible each week. You are the planet deserve it 
Sandra Sanchez
Eating vegetarian is the most simple way to overhaul your diet in an eco-conscious manner. My favorite cookbook is The Vegetarian 5-Ingredient Gourmet by Nava Atlas. The recipes are easy, inexpensive, and delightfully yummy!
Susan
Support your local farmers. The price is higher, but your contribution to the planet is priceless. Less shipping, fresher produce, and helping local business, and hopefully organic, what could be better!
Susan
I like to eat oatmeal in the morning, but instead of using water I use unsweetened coconut milk. It tastes yummy, is low in calories, and provides the good fats.
Auddy
No dairy products! It was a very hard decision to make for me, but I know that it was the right choice. We have too many problems in my family (such as breast cancer and diabetes – which are both prevented by having no dairy) to ignore the risks that come from ingesting milk products.
Amy(Super Healthy Kids)
I love it! Get to know the farmer you buy meat from. Become friends! Connect with where your food originated.
Dani
Healthy Tip: Don’t get overwhelmed trying to change everything at once – start by reading labels and making conscious choices about what you eat. Look for organic and local as much as possible and before you know it, it will become second nature!
Cat
Join (or start!) a neighborhood food coop, like the one at the LA Ecovillage. All of our produce is organic and locally grown – and only $10/box! We also have a bulk room full of inexpensive, locally made dry goods.
Sean
Wow, thanks for this list. These comments are great as well, very useful.
Jami F.
including organic kale into a daily smoothie, not only boosts your veggie intake, but also ensures more hydration. You can pack quite a punch of nutrients by blending almond milk, flax, berries, and kale. Natural energy, raw food, and smoother skin – not to mention more resilient sun protection from kale – all in less than 5 minutes. Commit to it once a day and you will surely be having to answer questions on why you look so fresh and vibrant!
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