A team of experts has elaborated a new report that plans to dramatically change the eating habits of the planet.
A portion of red meat, the size of a patty that can be found in a standard hamburger, is the maximum amount of red meat that should be consumed in a week. The number of eggs should be limited to a maximum of four per week while a portion of dairy products per day is more than plentiful according to the same report.
The team is comprised of a selection of researchers that specialize in nutrition, agriculture and environmental sustainability. The main focus of the report is the promotion of a healthy plant-based diet that follows the trend established by previous studies that established a connection between the consumption of red meat and the development of select health problems.
Another argument in the favor of a green diet is brought by the fact that meat production consumes valuable resources that could be used to grow a considerably higher amount of cereals and vegetables. The impact on the environment is also more severe when large numbers of animals are grown. For example, cattle generate a high amount of methane that contributes to global warming.
The report was coordinated by EAT, a Swedish NGO that wants to improve the food system for the general population. While fast-food consumption has decreased in recent years many people continue to prefer a quick meal that can be ordered, paid and consumed within 15 minutes instead of waiting more for a healthy alternative like salads.
The diet seeks to encourage the consumption of whole grains, a large variety of vegetables and fruits, beans and healthy seeds. Sugar and other heavily-processed foods are not banned completely but responsible consumption is recommended.
While the report wishes to bring a positive change the practices that are encouraged are hard to implement in reality. The dream is noble but it will remain a dream for now.
