All about the climatarian diet

Vegetarian, pescatarian and flexitarian diets are nothing new. But the idea of taking a more considered approach to what you eat, based on the carbon footprint of certain foods, is gaining popularity.

More New Zealanders are striving to eat less meat, source their produce locally and reduce their food waste. Carbon-conscious eating – AKA the climatarian diet – has never looked better.

WHAT IS A CLIMATARIAN DIET?

It’s thinking critically about where your food comes from and changing the way you eat where required. Often beef and dairy consumption is limited, due to the significant carbon footprint the cattle industry leaves on the planet. Meat, in general, demands more resources like water, fuel and land (and contributes to deforestation and loss of biodiversity) than plant-based foods.

A climatarian diet involves more plant-based meals, or low-carbon meats like organic free-range chicken and sustainably sourced seafood. Along with being better for the planet, it’s good for your health too; switching out red meat in favour of plant-based proteins like nuts, tofu and lentils may reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

CLIMATARIANISM ISN’T JUST ABOUT CHANGING WHAT YOU EAT

It’s also about changing how you buy food. Not only does it encourage eating with the seasons, which has a whole host of benefits, climatarianism is also about shopping closer to home, buying goods from local markets and producers. By shopping locally, we also cut out the food miles associated with transporting food around the country, and even the world.

BE CONSCIOUS OF PACKAGING

Although many New Zealand supermarkets have “banned the bag” and moved to reusable options only, they are still full of plastic (do we really need plastic-wrapped courgettes?). While packaging is sometimes necessary, there are ways to avoid single-use plastic, especially in the produce section. Most health food stores – and supermarkets – allow you to purchase things like grain, rice, flour and nuts in your own reusable containers. It’s also worth investing in a few reusable produce bags (or making your own) for stuff like apples, carrots and other loose fruits and vegetables.

AVOID FOOD WASTE

Taking a carbon-conscious approach to eating also means using as much of what you buy as possible, so that that bag of wilted spinach or handful of squishy zucchinis doesn’t end up in landfill. Whiz leafy carrot tops into a pesto, chop fresh herbs and freeze them in ice-cube trays, or cook down vegetable scraps into a flavourful, healthy stock. Any leftover food waste should be composted, or popped in your green-waste bin. Don’t forget an old favourite for those vege leftovers…Bubble and squeak!

TRY GROWING YOUR OWN FOOD

Starting a veggie garden can feel daunting, particularly if you don’t have much space or time! It’s surprisingly easy, and extremely satisfying, to grow your own veggies and herbs at home. All you need is a pot, a sunny position and some good soil.

This is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a financial adviser, or medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.

By AIA Vitality NZ
AIA Vitality Staff writer

AIA Vitality is a personalised, health and wellbeing programme that supports you every day to make healthier lifestyle choices. Visit aiavitality.co.nz

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Can a climatarian diet help save the planet?

WHAT IS A CLIMATARIAN DIET?

CLIMATARIANISM ISN’T JUST ABOUT CHANGING WHAT YOU EAT

BE CONSCIOUS OF PACKAGING

AVOID FOOD WASTE

TRY GROWING YOUR OWN FOOD

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