Malaysia has a great many positive qualities, but the best thing about our country is probably the abundance of food we have.
Nasi lemak, roti canai, dim sum, you name it, we have it! One problem with having (and loving) so much food, however, is that it leads to wastage.
Ever since 1957, our country, together with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has supported Malaysia’s National Save Food Network drive in an attempt to reduce food waste and post-harvest losses. According to the FAO, there is an estimated 1.3 billion tonnes of food that goes to waste globally, What a painfully huge figure! Many of us are simply not aware of this fact but once we know about it, this privilege can help us make better eating choices.
Herbalife Nutrition conducted a survey around plant-based diets and the study found that 40% of respondents’ food choices made out of decision to be environmentally-friendly, and reducing food waste is an easy way to start doing so.
Susan Bowerman, Senior Director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training, Herbalife Nutrition shared some ways to lead a sustainable lifestyle:
Plan Ahead
It’s always important to prepare ahead. Be it a week’s worth of food or for yourself, planning the right portion and ingredients are crucial in helping to reduce food waste.
Cook with More Sustainable Ingredients
There are many benefits in using sustainable cooking ingredients, from health concerns to environmental reasons. Start off with a flexible diet that includes meat, poultry, fish or eggs occasionally while cutting down on red meats!
Plate Up in the Kitchen instead of at the Table
We admit it - we are pretty greedy sometimes. There is nothing better than a huge steaming pile of rice on a banana leaf. That’s the problem, though. Try portioning out your plates of food in the kitchen instead of at the table as a way to control portions and avoid waste!
Repurpose Foods that are Reaching Expiration
We can do more with our food than we think. Mushy tomatoes can be made into sauce, overripe bananas can be made into smoothies, and anything in your fridge can be whipped up into something yummy with a little creativity (and some help from Google!)
Donate Extras to those in Need
Donations are always a great way to help those in need. In line with our government’s efforts at expanding the Food Bank Malaysia program, take some time to contribute to organisations with the same aim!
Will you be trying to make a change?
By: Celestine Foo
