Earthy Plate’s Glossary

Key terms that we reference frequently

Adaptogens: Herbs and plants that help the body adapt to stress and promote balance, such as ashwagandha and reishi.
Anti-inflammatory: Foods or ingredients that help reduce inflammation in the body, promoting overall wellness.
Ayurvedic: A traditional system of medicine from India that emphasizes balance through diet, lifestyle, and natural remedies.

Bioavailable: The measure of how well your body absorbs and utilizes nutrients from food
Biodynamic: A holistic approach to farming that treats the farm as a self-sustaining ecosystem, incorporating organic methods and lunar cycles.

Certified Organic / Organic: Refers to food grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, and free of GMO's. In British Columbia, businesses can only use the term "organic" in marketing if all products are certified organic.
Cold-Pressed: A method of juicing that uses hydraulic pressure rather than heat, preserving more nutrients and enzymes.
Cover Cropping: A farming technique where crops are grown specifically to protect and enrich the soil during off-seasons, improving fertility and reducing erosion.
Crop Rotation: The practice of alternating crops grown in a specific area to maintain soil health, prevent pests, and optimize nutrient usage.
Cultured Foods: Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and yogurt that contain beneficial probiotics for gut health.

Dairy-Free: Foods made without milk or milk-derived ingredients, suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivities.

Electrolytes: Essential minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium that help regulate hydration and muscle function.
Elimination Diet: A short-term dietary approach that removes potential allergens or inflammatory foods to identify sensitivities.

Fermented: Foods that undergo a natural preservation process using bacteria or yeast, enhancing gut health and nutrient absorption.
Free Range: A farming method where animals are allowed access to outdoor spaces, promoting better welfare and more natural behavior compared to confined systems.
Functional Foods: Ingredients that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, such as turmeric for inflammation or chia seeds for omega-3s.

Glyphosate: A widely used herbicide linked to environmental and health concerns. Earthy Plate avoids ingredients grown with glyphosate to prioritize health and sustainability.
GMO's: Genetically Modified Organisms; plants or animals that have been altered using genetic engineering techniques. Earthy Plate avoids GMO ingredients to prioritize natural, nutrient-dense food.
Grass Fed: Refers to livestock raised on a diet primarily consisting of grass, which results in higher nutrient content in the meat.

Heirloom: Traditional plant varieties that have been cultivated and passed down through generations, valued for their rich flavors and genetic diversity.

Inflammatory Foods: Ingredients known to contribute to chronic inflammation, such as refined sugar, seed oils, and processed grains.
Intuitive Eating: A mindful approach to food that encourages listening to the body's hunger and satiety cues.

Low-Glycemic: Foods that have a slow impact on blood sugar levels, helping to maintain energy and prevent insulin spikes.

Mineral-Rich: Foods high in essential minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which support overall health.

Naturopath: A healthcare professional specializing in natural and holistic approaches to wellness, often using nutrition and lifestyle changes to address root causes of health issues.
Nutrient-Dense: Foods packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, providing maximum nourishment per calorie.

Omnivorous: A diet that includes both plant and animal-based foods, providing a broad spectrum of nutrients.

Pasture Raised: Refers to livestock raised with continuous access to open pastures, which allows for natural grazing and healthier, more humane conditions.
PFA's (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances): A group of man-made chemicals often found in non-stick cookware and food packaging, linked to environmental and health concerns. Earthy Plate avoids products containing PFA's.
Phytonutrients: Compounds found in plants that have powerful health benefits, such as flavonoids in berries and sulforaphane in broccoli.
Plant-Based: Diets or meals that focus primarily on whole, plant-derived ingredients while minimizing animal products.
Prebiotics: Fiber-rich foods that feed beneficial gut bacteria, such as garlic, onions, and bananas.
Probiotics: Live bacteria that support a healthy gut microbiome, found in fermented foods and supplements.

Raw Foods: Ingredients consumed in their natural state, preserving enzymes and nutrients.
Refined Sugar: Highly processed sugars, stripped of natural nutrients, often linked to inflammation and health issues. Earthy Plate meals are free of refined sugars.
Regenerative: An approach to farming and food production that goes beyond sustainability by actively improving soil health, increasing biodiversity, and restoring ecosystems.

Seasonal: Ingredients grown and harvested during their natural growing season, ensuring peak flavor, freshness, and nutritional value.
Seed Oils: Industrially processed oils like canola, soybean, or sunflower oil, often high in inflammatory omega-6 fats. Earthy Plate meals are made without seed oils.
Seed Saving: The practice of collecting and preserving seeds from plants to promote biodiversity, reduce dependency on commercial seeds, and maintain heritage crop varieties.
Sustainable: Practices that meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, often involving resource conservation and minimal environmental impact.
Superfoods: Nutrient-rich foods with health-boosting properties, such as spirulina, maca, and cacao.

Teflon: A brand name for a type of non-stick coating often containing PFA's. Earthy Plate prioritizes cookware and kitchen tools free from such materials to support healthier, toxin-free cooking.

Whole Foods: Minimally processed, natural foods that retain their original nutrients, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and unrefined grains.
Wild Caught: Refers to fish harvested from their natural habitats, such as oceans, lakes, or rivers, as opposed to farm-raised fish.