"Leading an eco-friendly lifestyle benefits the earth, but it can also make a positive impact on your health and help you lose weight. Eating locally-grown foods, walking or biking your way around town, and going meatless once a week, are just some ways you can shrink your carbon footprint and break bad habits that are getting in the way of your weight-loss goals. In honor of Earth Day, here are six green lifestyle changes that go beyond protecting the environment and can help you curb the number on the scale.
1. Grow your own produce or buy locally.
The majority of the vegetables and fruits you find in your supermarket — even organic produce — is imported from countries around the world. And for every mile those fruits and veggies travel, they not only lose nutrients but also contribute to harmful carbon and fossil fuel emissions. Growing your own vegetables and fruits cuts travel requirements, helps you to stick to a healthy eating plan, and allows you to reap the benefits of seasonal produce. If you’re unable to grow your own, consider shopping at your local farmer’s market or through a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program. Remember to bring your own tote bags to avoid wasting plastic and paper bags.
2. Buy seafood caught or fished in eco-friendly ways.
In addition to being the largest supplier of food, our oceans also help regulate our climate. As a result of industrial pollution, seafood can become contaminated with methylmercury, which is a concern when eating fish and shellfish. Medical experts agree that the benefits of eating seafood (those with lower concentrations of methylmercury) outweigh eliminating it from your diet altogether — and seafood like wild-caught salmon, herring, and sardines are excellent sources of hunger-curbing lean protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
3. Walk or bike your way around (when possible).
Carbon emissions pollute the air for every mile you drive, so if the weather permits and your destination is close by, consider walking or biking instead. You’ll not only burn more calories and fat and improve the environment, but you’ll also save on gas expenses and rev up your metabolism so you lose weight faster.
4. Go meatless at least once a week.
The Meatless Monday movement encourages you to enjoy a vegetarian meal at least once a week to help reduce your carbon footprint and risk for myriad health conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Studies have shown that decreasing your overall meat consumption can prevent long-term weight gain. From beans and eggs to tofu and whole grains, there are plenty of delicious ways to enjoy a meatless meal.
5. Skip bottled water.
You may already recycle plastic, paper, and glass, but you can take your green lifestyle a step further by no longer purchasing bottled water. Why? According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), polycarbonate plastics, which are used to produce some plastic water bottles, contain dozens of chemical additives and manufacturing impurities, such as bisphenol A (BPA), a harmful chemical. To ensure you’re still getting plenty of hydrating water, purchase a BPA-free reusable water bottle or canteen to carry drinks, and buy a water filter to reduce the number of contaminants in tap water.
6. Create a compost for your trash.
Composting organic waste, like food scraps, plants, leaves, and flowers, allows bacteria and other microorganisms to break it down and turn it into fertilizer. In turn, composting puts less trash on the curb and helps reduce the amount of fuel required to haul it. It also helps add nutrition to the soil in your yard or window box, helping you grow more fruits and vegetables. While you’re at it, reconsider using these nutritious food scraps, which are actually vitamin-packed powerhouses and can boost the flavor in your dishes".
Fuente: www.everydayhealth.com
