BIG Nutrition: Let’s clear the air—the environmental impact of food choices
A newly published report in the Lancet calls for policy makers, agriculture, food producers, advertisers, and scientists to join together in moving people toward more affordable plant-based eating to improve health and better care for the planet where approximately one quarter of greenhouse gas emissions come from food production according to a University of Oxford study.
Given the current food systems in the developed world, the task of getting people to embrace more plant-based eating when the consumption of meat is highly prized can seem difficult. However, even small changes can have big rewards for health and the planet. Some examples:
- Eat less red meat (ie, beef and lamb). Fish and chicken have a smaller environmental impact.
- Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and nuts.
- Embrace meatless Mondays!
- Choose from several different vegetarian Kettlebell Kitchen offerings
- Purple Carrot (plant-based home delivered meal kit)
Recipes
- Roasted Quinoa and Tomato Soup with Parmesan Wafers
- Tomato and Cannellini Bean Soup
- Vegetarian Three Bean Chili
- Green Bean Salad Nicoise Salad
- Lentil Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Mixed Vegetable Curry
- Spiced Moroccan Lentil and Chickpea Soup
- Eat less sugar and refined grains. Less processing means less energy spent in food production and less packaging.
- Eat more local. As temperatures warm, area farmers markets will begin to carry locally grown foods…good for you, business, and the environment!
Happy and healthful eating,
Donna G. Pertel, MEd, RD, LDN
Questions about fueling for an event? Contact me at [email protected]
Private Nutrition Services are available for BIG Members (@ 30% discount) and the Community. They are listed here.