Balanced and Diverse Nutrition: Dietitians emphasize the importance of balanced and diverse nutrition. Opting for plant-based protein sources by reducing meat consumption can be beneficial for health and sustainable nutrition.
Quality of Meat: Not all meats are equal. Processed meats like salami or sausages are less preferable for health compared to meats obtained from natural, free-range, or organic animals. Dietitians recommend paying attention to quality when choosing meat.
Plant-Based Protein Sources: Plant protein sources such as lentils, chickpeas, beans, tofu, and quinoa can replace meat and contribute to sustainable nutrition. Consuming these foods also promotes diverse dietary patterns.
Role of Meat: Meat can be an important protein source in the diet, but when consumed in limited amounts, it can contribute to a more sustainable dietary model.
Water Consumption: Meat production, especially beef, is highly water-intensive. Sustainable nutrition supports reducing meat consumption to conserve water resources.
Carbon Footprint: Meat production, particularly when industrial farming methods are used, results in significant greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable nutrition advocates for reducing the carbon footprint by preferring foods with lower environmental impact.
Seafood: Sustainably harvested or farmed seafood can serve as alternatives to meat. However, consuming certain fish species due to overfishing is not sustainable.