The world population is progressively growing, and with this growth comes increased demand for food.

However, producing food for billions of people can take a toll on the environment. This is somewhat due to the destruction of rainforests for agricultural land, increased fuel needs, pesticide use, greenhouse gases, and packaging that ends up in landfills.

Developing sustainable agriculture based on real and fresh food may help improve the health of the planet.

Indigenous catering is a type of cuisine based on preparing cooking recipes with products obtained from native species of a specific area.

Indigenous catering Australia is prepared using indigenous ingredients of vegetable or animal origin in traditional recipes of the typical cuisine of a place.

Chefs and restaurateurs using native foods are supported by farmers who are reviving traditional varieties and breeds.

In Australia, chefs are “sticking to the old recipes and innovating new ones” using traditional ingredients and catering to a service provider with real-world knowledge of the unique needs of Indigenous Australians.

Considerations include curating specific meals to provide the right nutrients for dietary and medical reasons and ensuring Indigenous students feel culturally safe while away from their communities.

Fresh food always tastes good and nourishes the body and mind.

According to research, a high intake of processed and fast foods has been linked to a higher rate of overeating, particularly in those who are overweight compared to those who are not at a higher weight.

By contrast, real food does not harbor the sugars and flavorings that load down processed foods and may drive overeating.

Unprocessed animal and plant foods can help provide the vitamins and minerals you need for optimal health.In fact, most whole foods are good sources of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients.

Fresh foods tend to be lower in added sugar than many processed foods.

Even though fruit contains sugar, it’s also high in water and fiber, making it a much healthier option than soda and processed foods.

Fresh food is packed with antioxidants and nutrients that support heart health, including magnesium and healthy fats.

Eating a diet rich in nutritious, natural foods may also help lessen inflammation, which is considered one of the major drivers of heart disease.

Foods like avocados, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and blackberries are particularly high in healthy fiber, alongside beans and legumes.

Fiber gives many health benefits, including boosting digestive function, metabolic health, and feelings of fullness. And consuming fiber through whole foods is better than taking a supplement as it keeps you feeling fuller longer, and you also get the added nutrients from the fruit or vegetable.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, more than 450 million people live with diabetes worldwide.That number is expected to rise to 700 million by 2045.

Eating a diet high in fibrous plants and unprocessed animal foods might help reduce blood sugar levels in people who have or are at risk for diabetes.

In one 12-week study, people with diabetes or prediabetes who followed a paleolithic diet experienced a 26% reduction in blood sugar levels.

In addition to promoting better overall health, real food can help nourish and protect your skin.

Dark chocolate and avocados have been shown to protect skin against sun damage.

Studies recommend that eating more vegetables, fish, beans, and olive oil may help reduce wrinkling, loss of elasticity, and other age-related skin changes.

Seeds are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids help fight inflammation and protect heart health and fatty fish, such as salmon, herring, and sardines, are also excellent sources. Other real foods that are high in healthy fats include avocados and nuts.

Making fresh food part of your lifestyle may help reduce your risk for disease.

Several large observational studies link a balanced diet heavy in fruits and vegetables to a decreased risk of cancer and heart disease.

Additionally, Plant foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and legumes. Fresh, unprocessed animal foods also contain antioxidants.

Antioxidants are compounds that help fight free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage your body’s cells.

For instance, egg yolks offer lutein and zeaxanthin, which can help to protect against eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration.

Eating real food is advantageous for your gut microbiome, which refers to the microorganisms that live in your digestive tract.

Many real foods function as prebiotics — food that your gut bacteria ferment into short-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids may improve blood sugar management.

Healthy teeth may be another benefit of real foods.

cheese help prevent cavities by increasing pH and hardening tooth enamel. 

One study found that eating cheese dramatically improved enamel strength in people with limited saliva production.

Green tea has also been made known to protect tooth enamel. 

One study found rinsing with green tea significantly reduced the amount of erosion that occurred when people drank soda and brushed their teeth vigorously.

In addition to enlightening your health and well-being, eating real food can help the people you care about stay healthy.

Focusing on eating balanced meals rich in fruits and vegetables instead of dieting can be a much more sustainable and enjoyable way to live. Instead of having weight loss be the focus, let weight loss come as a natural side effect of a nutrient-dense diet and improved metabolic health.

Leading by example could encourage your friends and family to adopt a nutrient-dense eating pattern. It’s also a good way to help your kids learn about good nutrition.

On top of everything else, fresh food tastes delicious.

The amazing essence and taste of fresh, unprocessed food are undeniable.

Once your taste buds have adjusted to real food, processed junk food simply can’t compare.

Include diverse foods to keep your diet interesting.

Regularly trying new foods.

Hundreds of different real food options exist, including a wide variety of meat, fish, dairy, vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, whole grains, and seeds.

Australian-owned and operated, Gather Cater Care is a leading catering and facilities service provider which has been in operation since 1999. They are involved with and champion the Indigenous communities in which they operate through various initiatives.

They also provide opportunities for an empowerment such as traineeships and apprenticeships to students, and ensuring there is continual improvement and review of our Indigenous knowledge and practices is a priority that is led by their Indigenous Participation Manager. Indigenous engagement remains steadfast within all our operations.

Helps support local farmers

local farms regularly provide fresher and less processed food than supermarkets.

Purchasing produce, meat, and dairy from farmers’ markets support the people who grow food in your community.