Freshwater is the bloodstream of the planet, and agriculture is the world’s thirstiest consumer. Here’s why water conservation matters now more than ever and how to build a water-friendly routine on your journey to a healthier you.
Drinking plenty of water is perhaps the first fundamental you learn about when deciding to pursue a healthier lifestyle. Pretty much every eating plan urges you to replenish with plenty of it (up to 60% of your body is water) so that you can optimize your biology and make weight loss easier. As a dietitian, I, too, have been doling out this advice for decades.
But if water is an essential molecule for your body, think of freshwater as the bloodstream of the food system: Globally, 70% of all freshwater withdrawn is used for agriculture. And our Western eating style soaks up more water than any other – putting particularly high pressure on this resource.
If you grew up like I did with unlimited access to water, this can feel like a faraway topic. However, it turns out your water footprint extends far beyond your city or even the country you live in. Even though you may be using only a few liters each day, far more than that lies hidden in your food and beverages. A 2018 study by the European Commission found that 3,000 liters of water is required to produce one day’s worth of food for a single British citizen.
Why does the size of your water footprint matter? Water scarcity already affects every continent, according to the World Health Organization, and by 2025, half of the world’s population will be living in water-stressed areas. Reducing your impact now is key.
Are You Choosing the Thirstiest Foods?
Denne historien er fra July - August 2019-utgaven av Clean Eating.
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Denne historien er fra July - August 2019-utgaven av Clean Eating.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Summer Lovin'
Bushels of berries, peaches, nectarines, cherries, plums and more beckon at the market. Buy them all and soak up the sun in these bejeweled desserts.
Into the Wild
Cooking along the 500-mile Colorado Trail taught Clean Eating editor Amanda M. Faison how to transform the campfire into a kitchen.
![[ Three Ways ] Tropical Punch](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6144/994436/qSC8RoLOC1657772079105/crp_Hibiscus-Jamaican-sorrel-Recipes.jpg "[ Three Ways ] Tropical Punch")
[ Three Ways ] Tropical Punch
Of African origin, hibiscus or Jamaican sorrel, is an important staple in West Indian and Mexican cooking. Hibiscus is sour enough to make you pucker and tropical enough to evoke the islands. Popularly brewed as a tea, the dried petals play well in savory or sweet recipes, too.
You Had Meat Tacos
"When it's done properly, taco should be a verb," declared Jonathan Gold, the late restaurant critic of the Los Angeles Times. Tacos are much more than a meal; they're an action.
The Multitasker
Collagen usually makes headlines for its skin-saving benefits. But did you know that it's also an essential nutrient for joint health? (Especially if you sit at a desk all day.)
The Minimalist
Summer cooking is all about fresh and fast and avoiding the stove.
Lighten Up
If you've had an air fryer in your online cart since the start of the pandemic, it's time to commit. Let's just say it'll change your life.
JUST RIGHT
The classic low-country boil is a celebration of place, tradition and ratio.
Recovery Days
The mantra that food is fuel is gold, but food as refuel is equally valuable.
Lower your impact without sacrificing satisfaction.
Eat like a Reducetarian.
