Sustainable Nutrition with Leyla Kaylee Savaşer
Elif Öztürk // 01.09.2024
A healthy and balanced life is possible through harmony between the body, mind, and spirit. Today, we are joined by an expert in sustainable nutrition and yoga to delve deeper into these two fundamental areas. Are you ready to uncover the secrets to a healthy lifestyle?
Dear Leyla, thank you for accepting our invitation. Before we start, could you tell us a bit about yourself?
LKS: I’m Leyla Kaylee Savaşer, a Dietitian with a passion for nutrition and health. I have a mixed British and Turkish heritage and currently live in Turkey, offering online diet services. I graduated with honors from Yeditepe University and specialize in sports nutrition, plant-based nutrition, prenatal nutrition, and intuitive eating. I’m also a certified Functional Medicine Dietitian and a Yoga Instructor. My approach focuses on sustainable, healthy eating tailored to individual needs, avoiding restrictive practices. I love food, chocolate, peanut butter, coffee, and wine!
Sustainability is a topic that’s on our agenda. How can the concept of sustainability be aligned with dietary habits? How can we incorporate these habits into our work life?
LKS: This is a broad topic, but to summarize: Plant-based nutrition is crucial for sustainability because the carbon footprint of animal-based foods can significantly harm the environment. You don’t have to be fully vegan or vegetarian, but reducing animal products and increasing plant-based foods is beneficial for our environment and future. Turkey’s variety of legumes and vegetables makes plant-based eating easier. By choosing locally grown, seasonal fruits and vegetables, it’s possible to create delicious and healthy menus without relying on imported goods. Reducing packaging consumption by avoiding processed/packaged foods and using environmentally friendly materials in your kitchen is also important.
Incorporating these habits into work life isn’t as difficult as you might think:
– If you bring your meals, opt for glass or stainless steel containers.
– Choose local restaurants and select plant-based menus (such as olive oil-based dishes, legume dishes) at places that offer home-cooked meals.
– To prevent food waste, pay attention to portion sizes and plan your meals to make healthier choices.
What kind of policies can organizations develop to make their employees’ dietary habits more sustainable?
LKS: Organizations can take the following steps to make their employees’ dietary habits more sustainable:
1. Plant-Based Menus: Increase the availability of local, seasonal, and plant-based meals in cafeterias.
2. Educational Programs: Organize training sessions to raise awareness about sustainable eating.
3. Packaging Reduction: Provide reusable containers to reduce plastic use.
4. Local Product Sourcing: Ensure the preference for local and organic products.
5. Food Waste Reduction: Promote portion control and the use of leftover food.
6. Incentives: Offer rewards to those who adopt sustainable eating habits.
7. Sustainability Committees: Establish committees where employees can offer suggestions.
In addition to being a dietitian, you’re also a yoga instructor. In your opinion, how does yoga contribute to a sustainable lifestyle through its effects on stress management and work performance?
LKS: As a yoga instructor, I experience the benefits of yoga in all areas. Yoga, by definition, means “union” and represents the harmony of the mind, body, and spirit. The ultimate goal of yoga is to achieve this union and connect with one’s true essence. Regular yoga practice helps individuals free themselves from inner patterns, judgments, and fears. While this process isn’t easy, yoga is one of the most effective tools for self-discovery. As you get to know yourself and achieve this unity, your confidence in life increases, and your ability to manage emotions improves.
Yoga follows the principle of “how you are on the mat is how you are in life.” The skills acquired on the yoga mat, such as patience, confidence, emotional management, willpower, calmness, resilience, inner strength, flexibility, balance, and focus, directly translate into the workplace, positively impacting performance.
How can corporate companies contribute to sustainability by organizing yoga and mindfulness programs for their employees?
LKS: Corporate companies can make significant contributions to sustainability by organizing yoga and mindfulness programs for their employees. Such programs reduce stress levels, improve mental and physical health, and, in the long run, increase productivity and motivation in the workplace. Yoga and mindfulness help employees develop skills such as emotional balance, focus, and flexibility, positively affecting work performance. Moreover, through these programs, employees adopt healthier lifestyle habits, fostering a sustainable lifestyle. As a result, these programs enhance internal resilience and overall well-being, contributing to both the employees’ and the company’s long-term sustainability goals.
As a dietitian and yoga instructor, how do you incorporate eco-friendly practices into your daily routines?
LKS: When incorporating eco-friendly practices into my life, I focus on a diet that is approximately 70% plant-based, prefer local brands, and prioritize outdoor activities. I carefully select the materials I bring into my kitchen and home. However, I believe that change doesn’t happen overnight. Developing habits and creating lasting changes are processes that require effort and time. Therefore, I find it more sustainable and long-term to progress step by step rather than making radical decisions. I help my clients adopt a healthy and eco-friendly lifestyle by promising lasting changes instead of quick fixes.
This insightful conversation has provided us with valuable knowledge into nutrition. Let’s remember that small steps can lead to significant changes. The key to a healthy life lies in taking care of our bodies, minds, and spirits. Don’t forget to follow our blog series next week for Leyla’s tips on yoga!
