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Earth to Flat Tummy Club

To celebrate Earth Day here are some ideas linking our own health to that of the planet:

Eat less meat

The group Compassion in World Farming estimates that if the average UK household halved its consumption of meat this would cut more emissions than if car use was cut in half. And a study of 55,000 women in Sweden found that those who ate little or no meat weighed significantly less than those women who consumed more meat in their diets. Eating a diet rich in plant-based foods has also been shown to be good for healthy blood pressure, cholesterol and may help in protecting against heart disease, Diabetes and certain types of cancer.

Eat seasonal foods

Apparently we are in the 'hunger' season right now (although lots of lovely foods are about to hit their stride), which I think makes sense for our bodies too. After a long winter of comfort eating our bodies start leading us in the direction of cleansing foods - the early asparagus, a nice piece of fish and lots of greens! Check out what else is in season.

Go organic

Often the cost of organic food is crazy, but not always and it's good to know that what we're eating is free from harmful pesticides, promotes animal welfare and is more beneficial to wildlife. So when we can I think what's good for the plant is often good for us too.

Park the car

This is so much easier to say and do if you live in a city or town, but doing the odd errand on foot or by bicycle every now and then cuts your carbon and your calories for the day!

Dig in

When my mum spends the day gardening she is exhausted but thoroughly exhilarated by the time she makes that afternoon cup of tea. The brilliant thing is that she's making the garden a wildlife haven while getting some fantastic exercise at the same time.