FROM plant-based diets to zero waste food and the war on plastics, 2019 will go down as the year that saw our food habits move towards more environmentally friendly options.
:: Plant based for a healthy planet?
The year kicked off with the publication of the controversial EAT-Lancet report that suggested we all need to move to a more vegan-style diet in a quest to help save our fragile planet. With social media buzzing with influencers keen to show us how fit, strong and sexy a vegan diet can make us, Netflix airing Game Changers, and supermarkets moving in on the game to offer us ever more meat-free alternatives, it seemed that we were being seduced by the benefits of a vegan diet.
But is the vegan diet really the answer to all our prayers when it comes to our health and that of our planet?
Eating a highly nutritious vegan diet takes a lot of thought. Some of the nutrients that should be considered include vitamin B12, zinc, iron and omega 3 fats.
Although changing our diet for health or environmental reasons is to be commended, I think it should be a careful decision. How can we support the argument that eating jackfruit that has flown halfway across the planet from South East Asia, or avocados that grew in Mexico are better for our planet than lamb and beef that was produced in the field next door?
:: Eat local for a better planet?
As consumers, we can make a big impact to influence food companies and supermarkets by what we choose to put in our trolley. Perhaps it is time we took a look at what’s on our plate and considered where that food comes from, and how processed it is.
I think it is time to get a grip on eating more local, seasonal produce that tastes great, is packed with nutrition, and has not been processed to within an inch of its life.
For my money, I would rather eat good-quality, high-welfare meat and dairy produce, than replace such highly nutritious foods with processed junk food that contains this ingredient list:
Water, Pea Protein Isolate* (18 per cent), Rapeseed Oil, Coconut Oil, Flavouring, Smoke Flavouring, Stabilisers - Cellulose, Methylcellulose, Gum Arabic, Potato Starch, Maltodextrin, Yeast Extract, Salt, Sunflower Oil, Dried Yeast, Antioxidants - Ascorbic Acid, Acetic Acid, Colour - Beetroot Red, Modified Corn Starch, Apple Extract, Lemon Juice Concentrate, *Peas are Legumes
Just because something is vegan or plant-based does not mean it is good for us. This highly processed ingredients list comes from the ‘Beyond Meat’ burger now available in the UK and Ireland.
:: New Year, new you 2020 resolutions
If you are stuck for ideas for your New Year’s resolution, why not make one small change to help support your health and wellbeing and help eat your way to a healthier planet?
- Check out your local farm shop and shop there more often.
- Find out who is producing good quality meat in your area.
- Look more closely at supermarket labels to discover where your fruit, vegetables, and meat come from.
- Cook more! Cooking from scratch is a surefire way to eat healthier food.
- Eat less meat, but better quality.
- Eat a plant-based diet a couple of times a week. Discover some new recipes using pulses, like dal and curries.
- Swap from cling film to wax wraps.
- Don’t buy fruit or veg wrapped in plastic.
:: Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy New Year.
The Irish News is linking up with Jane for their ‘January Wellness’ initiative launching on January 1. Readers will have the chance to win a year-long access to Jane’s Vital Nutrition webinars, worth over £300. The pass gives free access to watch all of Jane’s online nutrition talks and supporting resources.
