The Planet-First Diet: Nourishing Yourself and the Earth
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Chapter 1: Embracing Our Connection to Earth
It's fascinating to realize that we truly belong to Mother Earth! In moments when scientific findings align with ancient wisdom, intuition, and even animal instincts, we find ourselves at a remarkable intersection. Yes, those of us often labeled as ‘granola’ or ‘hippy’ types, who advocate for living in harmony with our planet, are seeing our perspectives validated.
What does this all signify? What am I discussing today? Well, I am referencing a recent CNN article that should captivate your interest right from the start:
A new study reveals that adhering to a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can lower the risk of premature death by nearly one-third while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Dr. David Katz, a preventive and lifestyle medicine expert not involved in the research, stated, “Consuming more whole plant foods and fewer animal and processed items benefits both individuals and the planet.”
Eating what's best for the planet can lengthen your life, study says | CNN
When it comes to what you eat, what's good for the planet is also good for you and may even lengthen your life…
www.cnn.com
It’s odd that we need studies to confirm what should be common knowledge: that what benefits our health also supports the planet. Isn't it serendipitous how this works?
Joking aside, I’m pleased to see such research, as it emphasizes our role within the ecological system—we are part of this planet and, unfortunately, we are damaging it!
If the prospect of reducing your risk of early death by over 33% isn’t enough to grab your attention, I don’t know what will!
What is a Planet-First Diet and Why Should You Care?
Besides the obvious benefits of prolonging life and protecting the environment, diets high in whole plant foods often come with a multitude of advantages. While I can’t list everything in detail here, let’s outline a few key benefits.
Numerous books, articles, studies, and research highlight the reduced risk of various diseases linked to an increase in whole plant foods in our diets. Additionally, there are positive impacts on mental, emotional, energetic, and physical well-being.
For instance, did you know that consuming greens while walking outdoors allows your body to utilize chlorophyll from these foods to regenerate a vital molecule known as coenzyme Q10 (coQ10)? It’s true! Dr. Michael Greger’s book, How Not to Die, delves into these topics and much more!
Furthermore, it seems logical that a diet rich in healthy, whole plant foods filled with chlorophyll could protect the skin and enhance the body’s ability to produce vitamin D. While I lack concrete evidence for this theory, it feels plausible.
Another significant benefit of consuming whole plant foods is the reduction in inflammation and pain, alongside increased energy and mobility!
Assuming that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds can indeed mitigate or even reverse age-related ailments like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, we can reasonably conclude that such a diet would enhance mobility and overall quality of life.
Chapter 2: The Journey Continues
As much as I could elaborate further (just like a never-ending song!), I think it might be best to turn this into a series. Until next time, take a moment to step outside, feel the breeze on your face, and let the sun energize you, just as the chlorophyll from your meals does!
Resources:
Greger, Michael. (2019). How Not to Diet: The Groundbreaking Science of Healthy Permanent Weight Loss. New York: Flatiron Books.
NutritionFacts.org
This has been Your Idealistic ‘W’Holistic Nerd with your Health & Wellness segment, encouraging you to prioritize self-care and consider the ripple effects of your choices!