We all know that what we eat can affect our physical and mental health, but did you know that it can also make an impact on the environment?
The state of the environment today is alarming, to say the least. Climate change, deforestation and loss of biodiversity are just some of the major problems affecting our planet.
Just to give you an idea, animal agriculture is responsible for no less than 16.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it one of the main drivers of global warming. The industry is also responsible for using vast quantities of water and land, accounting for almost 20% of global freshwater use. In the United States alone, 60% of freshwater is used to grow crops.
The meat industry is notorious for its inhumane treatment of animals, including overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions, the systematic use of antibiotics and painful mutilation.
One of the most effective ways of reducing the environmental damage caused by human activities is to adopt a plant-based diet. By reducing demand for animal products, we can support more humane farming practices and reduce animal suffering.
We often think that our diet only affects our own health, but in reality our food choices can have a significant impact on the environment. If we focus on eating whole foods such as fruit, vegetables, pulses and cereals, this has been shown to be a healthier and more sustainable option than diets that contain meat and processed foods as they are rich in nutrients, fibre and antioxidants that promote optimal health and well-being.
For example, a recent study showed that a vegan diet can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 23%. Another study found that eating red and processed meat increases the risk of colorectal cancer.
In the light of these figures, we can have a positive effect on our own health and on the planet by changing our diet and include more whole foods.
Adopting a plant based diet can be challenging for people who are used to eating meat in most of their meals. However, it is possible to gradually switch by starting with a few meat-free days a week and incorporating more plant-based protein sources such as beans, tofu, lentils, edamame and tempeh. You can also explore different plant-based recipes and cuisines to discover new and exciting dishes.
If you need help switching to a plant-based diet, you can contact me for more information.
“I know once people get connected to real food, they never change back.” – Alice Waters.
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