Written by Tracy Hepler
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.
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.
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.
