What is the Planetary Health Diet?

The planetary health diet is a proposed dietary pattern that aims to promote both human and environmental health. It was developed by a team of scientists from the EAT-Lancet Commission, a global collaboration of leading scientists and policymakers. The planetary health diet is based on the following principles: * Health: The diet is designed to meet the nutritional needs of people of all ages and genders. It is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, and includes moderate amounts of animal-source foods. * Sustainability: The diet is designed to be sustainable for the planet. It promotes the production and consumption of foods that have a low environmental impact. For example, the diet recommends eating more plant-based foods and reducing the consumption of red meat. * Equity: The diet is designed to be accessible to people of all socioeconomic backgrounds. It is based on foods that are widely available and affordable. The planetary health diet is a healthy, sustainable, and equitable dietary pattern that can help to improve both human and environmental health.

Benefits of the Planetary Health Diet

The planetary health diet has a number of potential benefits for both human and environmental health. These benefits include: * Reduced risk of chronic diseases: The planetary health diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, which are all associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. * Improved environmental health: The planetary health diet promotes the production and consumption of foods that have a low environmental impact. For example, the diet recommends eating more plant-based foods and reducing the consumption of red meat. This can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and deforestation. * Increased food security: The planetary health diet is based on foods that are widely available and affordable. This can help to increase food security, especially in developing countries.

How to Adopt the Planetary Health Diet

Adopting the planetary health diet is a gradual process. You don't need to make all of the changes at once. Start by making small changes, such as adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet or reducing your consumption of red meat. Over time, you can make more significant changes to your diet. Here are some tips for adopting the planetary health diet: * Make half of your plate fruits and vegetables. This is the most important step you can take to adopt the planetary health diet. Aim to fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables at every meal. * Choose whole grains over refined grains. Whole grains are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They can help you feel full and satisfied after eating. * Eat legumes regularly. Legumes are a good source of protein, fiber, and iron. They can be used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, and salads. * Reduce your consumption of red meat. Red meat is a major source of saturated fat, which can increase your risk of heart disease. Aim to limit your consumption of red meat to no more than once or twice per week. * Choose sustainable seafood. When you eat seafood, choose fish that are caught using sustainable methods. This will help to protect marine ecosystems. Adopting the planetary health diet is a healthy, sustainable, and equitable dietary pattern that can help to improve both human and environmental health. By making small changes to your diet, you can make a big impact on your health and the health of the planet.