Eating green means more than just veggies

You can't go far without hearing something about green. A new green car, a new green clothing line, it seems like everything is going green these days. But what does that mean? Basically it is anything that is good for the environment. But when we think of our food going green, the first thing that pops into our mind is vegetables.

But that is not necessarily the whole picture. In an article in the Modesto Bee, writer Chris Macias highlights Gopal Kapur and his passion for green food.

"Think of Kapur as more of a food philosopher, and one who's preaching a meal plan to promote environmental and social awareness," Macias said.

Instead of emphasizing a restrictive diet, Kapur's Family Green Survival program only focuses on modifying your diet two days a month. The days you follow the program are called "survival eating days" which Kapur recommends once a month, is to eat 800 to 1,000 calories per day, a reality for poor people around the world.

So what does going green mean when it comes to what's on your plate? Eating foods raw (obviously not meats, that would be gross and unsanitary) and using less electronics on your food is the main idea of the plan.

Another way he goes green is by omitting bottled water. Less waste when hydrating, he claims.

"The average American eats 3,654 calories per day, and that spikes to 5,000 in the holidays," said Kapur. "In the developing world, people eat 800 to 1,400 calories a day. 'Survival eating' is a day to eat like the poor people eat. It's not about guilt, but to be appreciative of our abundance and have empathy for people who don't have as much as we do. If you're hungry by the end of the day, be thankful you're hungry by choice and not out of need."

Maybe following the survival guide everyday is a bit excessive, but think about the impact of your food not only on your body, but also the world around you.



This recipe may not be entirely raw, but it is pretty darn close, and delicious! It is from Heidi Swanson's recipe blog.