World Food Day – Our Actions are our Future

World Food Day is observed across the globe annually on the 16th October as a collective action against hunger. Established by the Food and Agriculture Organisation in 1979, it is now observed in 150 countries.

To show our support and help aid the fight for “A #ZeroHunger world by 2030”, we at TGt are bringing tips and advice to the table. To help you create change and be healthier in the process. Because we believe simple steps and small actions can bring big results.

1/ Mindful eating and choices

As inhabitants of a fast-moving nation it is natural to lose sight of the importance of thought when choosing what and where to eat. Nonetheless, how, what and where we consume can have a huge influence on both our environment and our own wellbeing.

Points to consider when eating out or preparing food

Is your food locally sourced?

In Swindon, we are fortunate to have many farms who supply to local restaurants, pubs and hotels. While some eateries even grow their own produce on site. If you are unsure where your food comes from, ask the question? Not all food can and will be produced locally. However, when it comes to making decisions knowledge is power. Educate yourself and others by learning about your food’s journey.

For locally sourced foods TGt Swindon recommends;

• Sally Pussey’s Restaurant

Does it create unnecessary waste?

As the war against plastic continues, we too can aid the fight.

• Ditch the bottled water in return for tap water.
• Take a leisurely lunch and coffee opposed to one on the go and where possible avoid disposable cutlery, plates and cups.
• Choose food with less packaging.

Meat Free Mondays

If the thought of becoming a vegetarian makes you crave a steak or bacon roll, why not try a Meat Free Monday?

It has been predicted that the demand for meat will increase by 73% between 2010 and 2050. Aside from the greenhouse gas emissions emitted from livestock, meat’s carbon footprint is significantly large.

Therefore, a small change can make a big difference not only to the environment but our health. Why not look at our guide to vegan restaurants in Swindon? Click here to view!

2/ Healthy and Sustainable

The greatest wealth is health – Virgil

As a society, we are afforded tremendous freedom of choice when it comes to what we eat. And Swindon has an array of restaurants and eateries offering a world of possibilities. Consider how your meal choice may not only affect your waistline but your mood.

By including protein, fibre, folate and B-12 rich foods at meal times, individuals can not only stave off hunger but also battle against low mood and depression.

Protein-rich foods are renowned for keeping us full. However, the consumption of foods such as eggs, tofu and poultry can also help regulate both mood and behaviour by increasing the release of dopamine and norepinephrine.

Fibre-rich foods increase the release of “feel good chemical” serotonin by slowing down the absorption of sugar, therefore, lifting your mood.

Folate and B-12 found in broccoli, lentils, cottage cheese and salmon to name a few can ease depression. Proof that diet can be as influential as medication. Find out more about healthy restaurants in Swindon here!

3/ Less Waste

When it comes to waste, it is not merely how we dispose but what we reuse. Reducing food waste at home can save both the environment and money.

We have listed a few easy tips you can adopt at home;

• Freezing leftovers. Make that extra food a gift on a busy night and save yourself both time and money.
• Reuse and make something new. Too much pasta sauce, make it into a lasagne for another day. Or, turn left over mash into fishcakes or a cottage pie. Be inventive and let your imagination run wild.
• Vegetables, milk or bread close to the date and not going to be used – freeze it. A full freezer is more efficient than an empty one. Why not put it to good use?

Domino’s shared their efforts towards fighting waste and work towards sending zero waste to landfill.

“In 2016, almost 95% of our waste (food and non-food) was either recycled or recovered as we continue to work towards achieving zero waste to landfill.

“Every one of our pizza’s is freshly handcrafted to order, which helps keep food waste to a minimum. And our store inventory is carefully managed with fresh food deliveries a minimum of three times a week, tailored to meet customer demand in the local area.

“Our pizza boxes are 100% recyclable, made from 80% recycled material and the remainder 20% is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) assured. Which means it is made with, or contains, wood that comes from FSC certified forests or post-consumer waste.”

As the world’s population increases with levels expected to reach 9.6 billion by 2050 compared to today’s 7.2 billion, so does our need for change.

Remember, your actions can make a difference through small changes in both your choices and behaviour. But, it can also be fun and save you money.