131a What’s cooking? Sustainable healthy diets
Kafli 1 af 6 - Description of diet
Describe your diet in your everyday life. Do you define your diet in a certain way? If so, what does that definition entail?
For the past 10 years I have been aware of the impacts of factory farming and the food industry on both the planet and individual health. While I wouldn't use any particular descriptor to describe my diet, because it is in no way a hard-and-fast fixed plan, I am mindful of this in the way I buy and and consume food products. In general I try buy locally grown products where possible and ethical meat. In the last five years I have divided my time between living in Iceland and rural Scotland. Interestingly I find this process much harder and far, far more expensive in Iceland despite living in a big city here.
For how long have you adhered to this diet?
For 10 years, though it has shifted and changed a lot over time based on my income, dietary needs and location.
Kafli 2 af 6 - Reasons and experience
What made you change your diet? What are the main reasons behind the decision and why do you stick with it?
Learning about the impact of the global food production industry on the environment and on personal and global health.
Where did you first hear about this diet? How did the change occur? Suddenly or gradually?
Awareness started to increase globally about climate change about 10 years ago. In addition there were suddenly a lot of documentaries and similar about the food industry, such as Supersize Me and so on. I started to think more about what I was consuming and the literal journey it took before it made it to my plate. How, for instance, that differed so much compared to my grandparents when they were my age.
Has your approach or perspective changed in any way since you started this diet? Can you give an example?
I definitely don't beat myself up so much for 'failing', especially now that I'm living full-time in Iceland where I find this process far harder. I accept that I am doing my best, while still pushing for change in the industry where I can.
Have you experienced any changes in yourself following a changed diet? For example changes in how you feel (physically or mentally), your sense of taste, your behaviour, interests, or social life? If yes, please describe the changes or give examples.
The time that I have been following this 'diet' (I wouldn't personally call it that) has overlapped completely with the the period of time since I left home and also became responsible for feeding myself and others. Over the past 10 years I've become an excellent cook, and also someone who considers cooking a hobby and a source of pleasure, not just a task. I think this has grown from appreciating good ingredients and feeding myself and others in a way that brings joy and nourishment.
Kafli 3 af 6 - Your diet in everyday life
Where do you usually shop for groceries? What determines what goes into your shopping basket? (Does f. ex. pricing matter? The origin of the product? How about marketing and advertisement? The information on the labels and packaging? The layout of the store?)
Where you live, how is the access to the food or raw materials you need to be able to follow your diet?
How much interest do you have in food and cooking in general? Is food an important aspect of your life? How much time do you devote to thinking about, making and consuming food? Do you enjoy trying out new recipes, or even coming up with your own?
What characterises good food? (For ex. regarding taste, smell, texture, appearance, or other qualities?)
What characterises quality food when it comes to your specific diet? Does it matter for instance if the food is fresh or processed or contains additives?
Is there anything you especially miss from your previous diet? Why?
How often do you cook at home? What needs to be in place in the kitchen for you to be able to follow your diet? (Any specific tools or equipment, a certain amount of space or anything else?)
How often do you eat out? Where do you prefer to go? Is it easy or difficult to order food that matches your diet in restaurants?
What are the main obstacles you have met in your daily life when it comes to following your diet? What would make it even easier for you to follow your current diet?
Kafli 4 af 6 - Home/family, traditions, and gendered perspectives
Describe your household conditions (How many live in your home? Are there children in the home? etc.). Does everyone follow the same diet as you do? If not, how does that affect your eating habits?
Do you experience support or criticism from your family, friends, or colleagues/school mates? Does that make a difference for you? Can you give us an example?
Do food traditions matter to you, f. ex. during celebrations? Have you had to adapt food traditions to your diet? How so?
How about dinner parties and gatherings where food is offered? Do you make special arrangements regarding those? What kind of attitudes have you experienced from the hosts or other guests? Please tell us about real-life examples if you have any.
Have you noticed any specific attitudes or anything else regarding your diet based on your gender? If so, please describe an example.
Kafli 5 af 6 - Information, education, sustainability and health
Where do you mainly look for information, knowledge, recipes, or inspiration for your diet? Please put in links for any websites or social media accounts that you use (if any).
Do you find it important to educate others about your diet? Why, and how do you do it? / Why not? Please describe some real-life examples.
In your mind, what does sustainability in everyday life entail?
In your mind, what does healthy eating entail? What is healthy food?
Kafli 6 af 6 - Final remarks
Are you planning to continue to follow this diet for the foreseeable future?
Is there anything you would like to add that has not been covered so far?
What is your occupation?
What is your level of education?
Do you have any remarks or comments on this questionnaire?