Recent years have seen an uptick in the word "sustainability." While it has become a bit of a trend to go green and be eco-friendly, it's vital to the planet's survival. Opting for environmentally conscious technologies, energy solutions, and packaging will help prevent pollution and damage to Earth's resources. However, many people don't realize the foods they eat also impact the environment. If you're looking to be eco-friendly with your diet, here are some easy treats to include in your meals. 

1. Legumes

One of the most environmentally conscious foods you can eat is legumes. This meal category includes beans, peas, and pulses. These plants are easy to grow with a high yield requiring a low water content. Additionally, legumes put nutrients back into the soil they're planted in. Even when they aren't grown organically, these plants put their own fertilizer into the soil, which encourages Earth's longevity. All over the world, legumes such as soybeans are grown both commercially and locally. Farmers can grow these plants relatively cheaply, which allows them to keep communities fed worldwide. 

Simple substitutions in your diet will help you make use of these plentiful plants. For instance, switching your whey powder for pea protein before a workout can help you save the planet while growing your muscles. Similarly, substituting dairy milk for a soy alternative can help reduce methane pollution and keep grasslands healthy. Making the switch to legume-based products doesn't have to be unpleasant; incorporating more beans and pulses into your diet can be delicious.   

2. Leafy Greens and Veggies

Another sustainable meal option is leafy greens and local vegetables. Like legumes, leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and lettuce don't require many resources to grow. Many of these plants don't require much space to produce, making them great for commercial farmers and hobby gardeners alike. In addition to not needing much room, they also don't need constant water and fertilizer to succeed. Plants like spinach will grow continuously under the right conditions, making them a great sustainable option for any garden. 

Similarly, organic vegetables can be an eco-friendly food option. While vegetables themselves are generally sustainable, many commercial farms treat their plants with pesticides and fertilizers that damage the soil health over time. By choosing to purchase organic veggies, you can support farms that protect healthy soil and fight erosion. Even better than buying organic vegetables is growing your own. Depending on what plants you get, you can produce enough fresh veggies to feed your family with only a few pots in your kitchen. By supplementing your diet with leafy greens and fresh organic vegetables, you can make a difference in Earth's sustainability.

3. Meat-Free Options

Finally, switching to meat-free options will help you stay environmentally conscious. While it can be incredibly challenging to live a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, reducing your meat consumption can help the environment. Many forms of red meat, such as beef, are hard to farm sustainably. The cattle require a high amount of food and water to make it to adulthood, and the farms produce a high level of greenhouse gasses per head. If you can't cut meat out from your diet entirely due to health reasons or personal preference, reducing your consumption can help save the environment. 

In addition to reducing meat intake, switching traditional meat dishes for something more sustainable will also help you stay eco-friendly. For instance, opting for crispy tofu chili instead of a ground beef chili will give you the same warm meal on a cold night without harming the planet. Eating a veggie burger made from black beans, lentils, and mushrooms will still meet your daily protein needs while reducing your personal carbon footprint. By making simple substitutions, you can do your part to keep the planet healthy. 

Overall, the foods you eat have a massive impact on the environment. By including some of these options in your diet, you can live a more environmentally conscious lifestyle.