Flexitarian for the Future!

Vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, flexitarian. Fads? Or the diets for the future?

The traditional Western animal product-based diet contributes toward the degradation of human and environmental health, according to the UN. And both Australia and New Zealand sit amongst the top ten countries for meat consumption per capita. This presents a great opportunity to reduce our collective impact in this space.

The idea of eliminating animal products from one’s diet can be a polarising one. So, this World Food Day (Oct 16), we are proposing a challenge: consider reduction rather than removal as a step in the right direction.

Eating a predominantly vegetarian diet with only occasional meat consumption is termed ‘Flexitarian’ and is gaining popularity. To help you make small changes to nurture a more sustainable world, we have put together four top tips to start you on your flexitarian journey. 

💡 Start with Meatless Mondays

Ease into a plant-based diet by designating one day a week as “Meatless Monday.” Avoid all meat and animal-derived products on this day. Opt for plant-based meals that you won’t miss the meat in, like pasta. This small step not only lowers your carbon footprint but also helps you discover delicious new recipes.

💡 Explore Dairy Alternatives

Dairy products contribute significantly to environmental impact from animal product production. Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious dairy-free alternatives available that are lower impact options. Swap cow’s milk for soy or oat milk and give a dairy free yogurt or ice-cream a try. 

💡 Embrace Whole Foods 

Whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, are a healthy food choice and naturally free from animal products. Incorporate more salads, stir-fries, grain bowls, and smoothies into your diet.

💡 Try out some Plant-Based Proteins

Contrary to common belief, a plant-based diet offers plenty of protein options. Tofu and tempeh are versatile and can be used in various dishes. Legumes like chickpeas, lentils, and beans are protein-rich staples. Explore these alternatives for a delicious and nutritious diet.

Reducing animal product consumption is important to create a more sustainable future for our planet, and small but consistent changes can make a positive impact. Whether you’re trying “Meatless Mondays”, exploring dairy alternatives, embracing whole foods, or getting creative with plant-based proteins, you’re contributing to a better future for the planet and all its inhabitants.

If we all make small changes, together, we can make a significant difference!

If you’re interested in more information on ways we can better look after our health and the health of our planet, check out some more of Glimmer’s articles. 

You can also join the Glimmer community (it’s free) and share your own stories to inspire and empower people to make a difference in their lives and in the lives of others. 

Glimmer proudly supports and promotes the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for a better world. 

Sources:

Flexitarianism: full or part-time vegetarianism. https://sdgs.un.org/partnerships/flexitarianism-flexible-or-part-time-vegetarianism

More kiwis are going flexitarian. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sponsored-stories/more-kiwis-are-going-flexitarian/OLDKVIXEQEWXHFCRMZBFB6726E/

These are the countries that eat the most meat. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/08/these-countries-eat-the-most-meat-03bdf469-f40a-41e3-ade7-fe4ddb2a709a/

Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind. https://www.fao.org/world-food-day/about/en

flexitarian. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flexitarian

We need to talk about meat. https://unfccc.int/blog/we-need-to-talk-about-meat

Which vegan milk is best for the environment? https://www.sciencefocus.com/science/which-vegan-milk-is-best-for-the-environment

WWF Sustainable agriculture. https://www.worldwildlife.org/industries/dairy#:~:text=Dairy%20cows%20and%20their%20manure,prairies%2C%20wetlands%2C%20and%20forests.