It's no secret. Our daily food choices have an impact on our health, but also on the climate. Excessive consumption of sugar, refined grains, saturated fats and highly processed foods shortens life expectancy. Animal products in particular, including fresh and processed meat, are consumed in excess in many countries, and total consumption has increased fivefold in the last 70 years. 

Food sustainability is about eating in a way that maximises health, environmental, economic and social impacts. Educate yourself about the origins of your food, look for certified products and prefer local or organic food.

Eat more plant-based than animal-based foods 

The average annual meat consumption of a single person in Western countries is about 80 kilograms. This level of consumption is already too high, but by 2050, when the planet will have a total population of around 9 billion, it will be virtually impossible to maintain. 

An adult needs no more than 500 g of meat per week. Reducing meat consumption and eating more legumes and vegetables is not only good for our own health, but also for the preservation of our planet.

Eat a healthy diet with as few processed foods as possible. 

Look for fresh ingredients where possible, although some shelf-stable and packaged products are fine.... but don't let convenience dictate your choices!

Eat a varied and balanced diet 

Reducing your consumption of manufactured foods, avoiding sugary drinks and moderating your salt intake are good ways to stay healthy. Try to eat a balanced and varied diet based on what is in season.

Choosing sustainability means saving 23 kg of CO2eq. every week. Over the course of a year, this means reducing greenhouse gas emissions by an amount equivalent to the emissions from a car that has travelled more than 3,300 km!

With an environmentally friendly diet, you are not only doing something good for nature, but you are also doing something good for yourself because with a sustainable/healthy lifestyle, your life expectancy will automatically increase!

LINKS: 

https://www.slowfood.com/a-meatless-healthy-diet-is-a-climate-friendly-diet/ 

https://www.slowfood.com/what-we-do/themes/food-and-health/ 

https://wwf.panda.org/discover/our_focus/food_practice/sustainable_diets/