Here’s all you need to know about the Climatarian diet
If you're someone who worries about sustainability and of the opinion that going vegetarian or vegan will help you in reducing your carbon footprint, you should certainly know more about the climatarian diet.
So what exactly is this diet?
Several experts have previously claimed that reducing our meat consumption is the biggest way to reduce the environmental impact on the planet, but latest reports claim otherwise. Reportedly, the single best way to reduce carbon emissions is by shopping locally. For those who aren’t aware, if you follow the climatarian diet, you are encouraged to eat less of some foods and more of others. While it is said that a plant-based diet is sustainable, let’s not forget that some greenhouse-grown vegetables flown across the globe can also increase our carbon footprint.
So, a Climatarian diet is ideal to not only improve health but it can also reduce your carbon footprint by 1.5 tonnes annually just. All you need to do is eat plant-based and locally sourced produce during the season. While most sustainable diets also encourage you to eat less meat, as per a Climatarian diet, you don't have to cut it out completely. Its main idea is to “"eat more plant foods while limiting or eliminating animal products.” Also, it isn’t only about what you intake but also how you shop and cook as well. You cannot do food wastage or fill your freezer with leftovers in order to have a sustainable plan.
What are the benefits of a Climatarian diet?
We all know the many benefits of eating a plant-based diet as lack of processed foods and artificial ingredients helps the body and mind to thrive. Hence, a climatarian diet is said to reduce the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and thereby, increasing vitality, mental health and longevity. In fact, some people have also noticed a visible change in the skin.
So what can you eat if you are on a Climatariandiet?
You can eat lots of lentils and beans as they are only delicious and nutritious. Give local and seasonal fruits and veggies a shot as they have particularly low carbon footprint and if you buy local, it reduces the processing, packaging, transportation and food spoilage. Last but not least, include whole grains, including pasta, brown rice and wheat in your diet apart from increasing your intake of nuts and seeds. In terms of meat, swap beef for chicken as it reduces your carbon footprint by nearly half.
