Sustainable eating: good for you and the planet
The connection might not always be obvious, but our food choices also have an impact on the environment. Fortunately, there is good news. With the right diet, you can reduce your ecological footprint and protect your health at the same time. And all that without sacrificing enjoyment or taste!1
Depending on the source and the factors included, our diet is said to be in the top three human activities that generate the most greenhouse gases, along with transport and housing. More than a third of our carbon footprint is thought to be attributable to what is on our plate.1
The process behind the production2, packaging, and transport of our food has a significant impact on the environment. But what can we do about it?
Focus on ecological eating
Over the past fifteen years, more and more restaurants have prided themselves on operating ecologically. This is based on three major initiatives:
- serving less meat and more vegetables;
- purchasing from local producers (short supply chain);
- preventing waste and processing waste (recycling, compost).
Everyone is now aware of the need to start eating differently. On June 8, 2024 (not coincidentally World Oceans Day), the Marine Stewardship Council3 (MSC), an organization that campaigns for sustainable fishing, announced the results of a survey. And what does it show? Of the Belgians surveyed, 43% say they eat less red meat than they did two years ago. The motivation: their health, their wallet, and climate change. But there are other ways to eat healthily and sustainably.
Over the past fifteen years, more and more restaurants have prided themselves on operating ecologically
7 tips to add healthy, sustainable food to your menu
Our government has also jumped on the ecological bandwagon. Flanders released a nutrition guide in 2021. The title speaks for itself: 'Eating according to the food triangle: good for yourself and the planet. Recommendations and practical perspectives for a healthy and environmentally responsible diet'4. The goal? To explain how to eat healthily (with a view to reducing obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc.) while protecting the planet.
The document provides 7 major tips for eating and drinking in a healthy, balanced, and sustainable way:
- Drink mostly tap water, as it requires no transport or packaging;
- Eat more fruit and vegetables, preferably seasonal and local. Now that forgotten vegetables are making a comeback, you might come across some fun surprises;
- Eat more legumes, whole grains, and nuts, as they are packed with plant-based proteins and healthy nutrients with few saturated fatty acids, which is good for your heart and blood vessels;
- Replace red meat (the Superior Health Council recommends eating no more than 300 g per week) and processed meat with poultry, fish, and eggs;
- Eat and drink as few 'empty calories' as possible (which contain no healthy nutrients), such as soft drinks, crisps, or sweets;
- Avoid food waste by shopping purposefully, learning to use leftovers, making your own compost, etc.;
- Do not eat more than your body needs. Listen to your body and learn to recognize hunger and satiety.
Take a look at our blog too! You will not only find the basic rules for a healthy and balanced diet, but also recipes that are good for your health and the planet. For example, how about zucchini rolls or spinach-buckwheat wraps? Enjoy your meal!
Scientific references
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