CONTENTS

• Can we change the world with our diet?
• Planetary nutrition – what is it and what is it about?
• Why choose a planetary diet?
• Planetary nutrition – where to start and how to persevere?

Can we change the world with our diet?

Does our diet really affect the greenhouse effect? ​​Let's try to look at it. There are several factors that cause global warming - natural, such as a change in the solar constant or volcanic eruptions, and anthropogenic, that is, related to human activities. The activities we undertake are not indifferent to the natural environment. Humans have a real influence on increasing the presence of some of the naturally occurring greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The biggest problem for our planet is the emission of carbon dioxide, followed by methane and nitrous oxide. Androgenic factors include the burning of coal, oil and gas, and the closely related deforestation, factory farming and the production of nitrogen fertilizers. Why related? Because livestock farming on the scale we are dealing with in the 21st century requires a change in the natural terrain. Forests are cleared for pastures and arable land for feed production, and this is where the largest greenhouse gas emissions from livestock farming come from, accounting for about 9% of global carbon dioxide emissions.

It is estimated that the meat industry is also responsible for 35-40% of total methane emissions resulting from the digestive processes of cattle and sheep, but mainly due to the use of manure to grow feed. Factory farming is also responsible for 65% of nitrogen oxide emissions associated with the use of artificial fertilizers. Meat production is also associated with a huge consumption of drinking water resources, a reduction in biodiversity and the depletion of non-renewable resources. Even if changing eating habits alone is not enough to stop the greenhouse effect, it is definitely one of the essential components of the plan to save the planet. But beyond the environmental issue, the planetary diet is also associated with the idea of ​​sustainable development and the elimination of food waste. Every day, around 700 million people suffer from a lack of access to food and, paradoxically, the highest percentage of hunger occurs in agricultural countries. At the same time, in other parts of the world we are faced with the problem of obesity, diabetes and other diseases linked to poor nutrition, such as cardiovascular disease or some types of cancer. To answer the question posed at the beginning - yes, we can change the world with nutrition, and in many areas. Planetary nutrition - what is it and what is it about?

The planetary diet was developed by scientists from the EAT-Lancet Commission on Food, Planet, Health, who focused on trying to solve several pressing problems of the modern world and thus, as the name suggests, issues related to food, planet and health.What does such a diet require and what are its principles? Although the basis of a healthy and balanced diet according to scientists are products of plant origin, such as Vegetables and Fruit , legumes , nuts or whole grains, the planetary diet does not completely exclude the consumption of meat, but recommends limiting it , and this applies especially to beef, pork and meat products, i.e. sausage, cold cuts or bacon. Moderation is also recommended when eating eggs, dairy products, and fish and seafood. More than half of the plate should consist of fresh vegetables or fruit, the second place should be whole grain cereal products, and the third place should be legumes. Scientists also emphasize that our meals should be as varied as possible, eaten in a calm atmosphere, and we ourselves should neither overeat nor waste edible food. Let's buy seasonal products locally and share the surplus with others. For those who want to learn more, the Association of Polish Food Banks has prepared a free and easily accessible e-book on the planetary diet, which can be downloaded from their official website.

Why choose a planetary diet?

We have already discussed environmental issues. What are other reasons to changing eating habits ? First and foremost, for your own health. Diet (preferably combined with physical activity) is the best preventive measure. The way we eat should bring us benefits, not problems. When choosing certain food products, it is worth paying attention not only to their taste (although this is also very important!), but above all to their beneficial effects. We should choose foods that are beneficial to our health and well-being. For example, if we give up a snack in the form of an oatmeal bar with fruit and walnuts, we will not only provide ourselves with more energy, which will be released little by little over a long period of time, but also with the necessary fiber, vitamins and magnesium for the proper functioning of the intestine. A bar whose consumption will certainly be a real pleasure, which after a while will cause even greater hunger and drowsiness. These small daily choices can contribute to our general health and, in the long term, to our mood.

Planetary nutrition – where to start and how to persevere?

Any change, no matter what it concerns, causes us uncertainty and resistance. This fear of the unknown is completely natural for us, so it is worth introducing a new way of eating gradually, in small steps. Remember that the planetary diet is not another miracle diet that will help you "achieve a perfect figure before bikini season". Eating healthy and countering environmental degradation does not mean restriction, suffering and hunger. In the beginning, prepare at least one meal a day that is free of meat or dairy products. Replace white bread with wholemeal bread, making sure that it can also be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Replace roasted and salted peanuts with walnuts or almonds. The planetary diet is intended to be a permanent state, not just a short break from eating in fast food chains. It is worth opening yourself up to new flavors and seeing the change in diet as an adventure in which we have more to discover than to lose.Let us try to educate ourselves and others in our free time, especially the youngest - make it easier for them to choose the right foods!