It only takes 5 days to jump start your path to greener, healthier eating. We picked some of the best suggestions from The Daily Green’s 30 day plan to greening your diet. Making one small alternation in your food choices each day for the rest of this week can make a world of difference for the planet, and your health. For more, and read up on their 25 other helpful tips for making the switch.

Day 1: Project Pantry Purge

When you’re trying to cut calories, it’s best not to keep fatty foods in the house (it’s harder to deny the ice cream if your freezer is stocked with the creamy treat, right?). The same goes here: When you’re trying to clean up your diet, it’s helpful to get rid of the sneaky, non-green foods lurking in the pantry. Here’s where to start…

Day 2: The Scariest Foods You Must Buy Organic, Save $$$ And Focus On These 12

Our list of foods you should definitely buy organic the dirty dozen consists of items that retain more pesticides or are typically laced with hormones and antibiotics. Studies have shown children who eat organic diets have lower levels of certain pesticides in their bodies. Click here for more…

Day 3: Go Brown, Your Carbs Need Some Color

We’re talking grains. Pick a shade, any shade taupe, tan, beige. The grain group members include wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal and barley is an essential slice of the familiar USDA food pyramid. They’re naturally low in fat and high in vitamins. Find out how to get started…

Day 4: Eat a 100% Local Meal Each Week

You know that saying, Think global but eat local? You will. Because in a world where global warming concerns are intersecting with doubts about the freshness and sustainability of foods shipped thousands of miles, being a localtarian (local + tarian, as in vegetarian) is practically a religion among the foodies, and it’s a trend that is on the rise among us normal people, too. For more, click here…

Day 5: Rent Fast Food Nation

If you’re a fast food fan or meat enthusiast you might have been advised not to watch Fast Food Nation, the film based on Eric Schlosser’s 2001 exposé of the fast food industry. After all, who wants to witness the ill treatment of cattle and migrant workers that occurs just to get a cheap burger to your plate? We sure don’t…

Related:

>>Eat your veggies instead of eating up energy

>>Green grocery shopping on a budget

>>Creating a green kitchen