What is the Planetary Health Diet?

The Planetary Health Diet is an evidence-based approach to eating that has been designed to provide optimal nutrition to the world’s population while also protecting our planet’s health. The diet was proposed in a study published in the medical journal The Lancet in 2019 and is said to be the first of its kind. It is based on the findings of an international team of researchers who looked into the health risks associated with poor diets, as well as the environmental impacts of our food choices.

The diet was created with the goal of helping to reduce the global burden of disease, while also protecting the environment. It recommends reducing consumption of red meat and sugar, while increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes. The diet is also lower in calories than the average Western diet, while emphasizing the consumption of healthy fats and proteins. The diet is designed to be nutritionally adequate, while also helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and land use associated with food production.

What are the Benefits of the Planetary Health Diet?

The Planetary Health Diet is beneficial for both our health and our planet. It is nutritionally balanced and provides all the essential nutrients that our bodies need. Additionally, it can help to reduce the risk of diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, as well as reduce our environmental footprint. By reducing our consumption of red meat and sugar, we can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and land use associated with food production. Additionally, the diet emphasizes the consumption of plant-based foods, which are generally more sustainable and healthy than animal-based foods.

How Can We Follow the Planetary Health Diet?

Following the Planetary Health Diet is relatively straightforward. It is based on the traditional plate method, which suggests that a plate should be divided into four sections: one-quarter of the plate should be filled with protein-rich foods such as fish, eggs, nuts, and legumes; one-quarter should be filled with whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and oats; one-quarter should be filled with colorful fruits and vegetables; and the last quarter should be filled with healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, and avocados. Additionally, the diet recommends limiting processed foods, red meat, and sugar.

Conclusion

The Planetary Health Diet is an evidence-based approach to eating that has been designed to provide optimal nutrition to the world’s population, while also protecting our planet’s health. It recommends reducing consumption of red meat and sugar, while increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes. Additionally, it can help to reduce the risk of diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, as well as reduce our environmental footprint. Following the Planetary Health Diet is relatively straightforward and can be done by following the traditional plate method.