I've just come across a brand new report by the Lancet (a leading medical journal) all about how healthy eating is the way to saving our lives, and that of the planet too.
Based on scientific research, the report outlines the kind of diet we should be eating, for our bodies and our environment. It includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and unsaturated oils, with a little seafood and poultry thrown in too. Red meat, processed meat, added sugar, refined grains, and starchy vegetables are very much on the naughty list.
This is all information that we have known since the food triangle that we all got familiar with in primary school. The difference is this time it's being linked to the planet as well as our health, and red meat is no where to be seen.
Currently global food production is keeping up with the total number of calories we need. However, 820 million people are going hungry, and a crazy two billion (!!!) are malnourished from eating the wrong kind of foods that do not contain the necessary micronutrients.
On top of that, from farm to plate there is huge amounts of food wasted; 44% of harvested food is thrown away before it can be eaten.
As the population rises, and meat consumption grows, it's going to be more difficult to keep up with global calorie requirements. Thankfully, people are talking about this before it happens, and the solution is simple.
1. Shift diets away from meat
Most crops are grown to feed animals, which are then eaten by us. Cut out this extra step in the food chain, and we will reduce CO2 emissions by 30%, water consumption by 70% and agricultural land use by 75%. Also it means we will grow a wider variety of crops, instead of just vast swaths of soya bean. More diverse crops support more diverse wildlife, so as well as healthier humans there will be healthier habitats too!
2. Reduce waste
If we put that 44% lost on our plates instead of in our bins, we would nearly double the amount of food just like that. Easy.
So to finish off I just want to say although this requires big systematic changes from government and corporation levels, these changes will happen faster when we individuals push markets in the right direction.
Indulge in a beautiful, organic and local rainbow of veggies, and still save money because you've not bought any meat! Freeze your left overs, or turn them into soup. Here's some inspiration for living life on the veg.
Thanks for reading, I would love to hear any comments or questions!