When you think about Earth Day, what comes to mind? Conserve water, drive less and stop using plastic are just a few of the must-do things we can all do to help protect our planet. But what about the foods we eat? Is a plant-based diet the best way to go? It is, without a doubt. So why is a Paleo diet advocate, such as myself, promoting it? Well, guess what? The Paleo diet actually is plant based!
According to the work of Dr. Loren Cordain, PhD, a true Paleo diet is comprised anywhere from 22 to 40 percent of calories coming from carbohydrates — and those carbohydrates primarily consist of fresh, local, in-season vegetables and some fruit in moderation[1]
The remainder of the diet comes from 19 to 35 percent protein and anywhere from 28 to 58 percent fat.[2] And because Paleo fat sources include many healthy, plant-based options, such as olive oil, avocado, coconut oil and even some raw nuts and seeds in moderation, the percentage of the diet truly coming from plants is far higher than what many the misconception of a Paleo approach may suggest.
Now comes the controversial question that might make one lean more toward the idea that a completely plant-based, or vegan, diet is the way to go. For several reasons, a vegan approach actually may not be the best diet, or best suited to support the planet. In particular, choosing grass-fed beef over conventionally raised meat as well as instead of GMO grains makes a huge positive impact on our planet.
Here’s why:
1. All meat is not one in the same. While studies may abound suggesting that ‘eating meat is bad for the body and bad for the planet,’ it’s important to separate grass-fed beef from meat that is procured from inhumane, unsustainable sources. Meat from pastured animals is ideal for your health. Compared with commercial products, it offers you more “good” fats and fewer “bad” fats. It’s richer in antioxidants; including vitamins E, beta-carotene and vitamin C. Furthermore, it does not contain traces of added hormones, antibiotics or other drugs[3].
OK, so perhaps grass-fed meat is better for the body; but isn’t meat still bad for the planet? Actually, no.
2. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal[4], the Environmental Protection Agency states that all of U.S. agriculture accounts for just 8 percent of our greenhouse emissions, with by far the largest share owing to soil management that is, crop farming. At the same time, a Union of Concerned Scientists report concluded that about only 2 percent of U.S. greenhouse gases can be linked to cattle and that good management would diminish it further.So eating grass-fed cattle, free to roam and eat their natural diet, doesn’t have the negative impact it’s sometimes made out to.
But what’s the big deal with eating grains, or vegan-sources of protein, then?
3. As a former vegan myself, I can honestly say that along with my fresh fruits and veggies, I sure ate my fair share of soy. Ninety three percent of soy is GMO! And if you’re someone who’s been opting for corn-based products as a gluten-free option, you should know that 88 percent of all the corn we get in the US is also GMO.[5] A report from Greenpeace[6] shows GM crops are harmful to non-target species, toxic to beneficial insects, a threat to soil ecosystems, a risk for aquatic life and an opening for new pests who can fill the void left by those who have been eliminated!
The bottom line
By following a diet comprised primarily on local, in-season veggies, some fruit in moderation and naturally raised, or wild proteins, we truly are doing our part to lower our collective carbon footprint and create a healthier Mother Earth.
Whether or not you choose to call the manner in which you eat Paleo or vegan or any other title isn not important, as many a diet these days can easily turn into a trend.
Simply ask yourself if the food you’re eating as well as that which you’re providing to your family is sourced from a place nearby, whether it’s in season and organic and how many steps it took for it to get from how it grew from the Earth or ran across it.
If you’re confident that you’re able to properly and mindfully source your food, then eat it in a balanced manner, you’re doing all you can to ensure you’re keeping yourself, your family and your planet as healthy as you can.
Sources:
- Cordain, Loren. The Paleo Diet: Lose Weight and Get Healthy by Eating the Foods You Were Designed to Eat. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley,
- Print.
- McDowell, M.A. et al., Energy and macronutrient intakes of persons ages 2 months and over in the US: 3rd national Health and Nutrition and Examination Survey, Phase 1, Adv Data 1994 (255) p 1-24.
- “Health Benefits of Grass-Fed Products.” Eat Wild. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2016.
- Actually, Raising Beef Is Good for the Planet.” WSJ. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2016.
- Kelly, Margie. “Top 7 Genetically Modified Crops.” The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, n.d. Web. 17 Apr 2016.
- “Environmental Escape of GM Crops.” Science 302.5644 (2003): n. pag. Web.