For centuries we ate for energy and survival. Now we eat predominantly for pleasure.

The difference in this mindset has come about through the enormous changes in the food industry over the past 50 to 100 years.

Unfortunately, these changes are harming our health and contributing to climate change. A recent article published by The Global Wellness Institute highlights how our global food habits are causing harm to individuals and the environment.

What should we eat to optimise health and sustainability?

I advise my clients to ‘Just Eat Real Food’. It keeps it simple and easy.

What does that mean?

• No packaging (that cuts out most fast foods and sugar filled foods)
• Eat foods that most closely resemble their original form, from paddock to plate. Fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish and other seafood are examples.
• Animal products such as cheese, milk and yoghurt are real foods.
• Nuts, seeds, legumes (think chickpeas and lentils) are highly nutritious real foods.
• Whole grains (think brown rice, quinoa, spelt, whole wheat) have been processed but they retain the nutrients and have been shown to improve heath as they add fibre to the diet and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

What inappropriate foods do you need to toss in the bin?