Diet: plant-based proteins for a positive impact

Protein is one of the pillars of our diet, essential for our daily energy intake. In addition, they contribute to the proper functioning and construction of muscle and bone tissue while ensuring the proper functioning of our immune system. Whether you are sportif.ve or not, proteins are essential and are present in a lot of foods. To consume it in an eco-responsible way, let's put meat aside and look at plant-based alternatives, which are much less harmful to the planet.

Habits destined to change 

Nowadays, we are becoming more and more aware of the dramatic consequences of our meat consumption. Among them,  significant greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, animal abuse, etc. Indeed, the CO2 emissions generated by animal exploitation are immense. Livestock farming alone is responsible for 14.5% of greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, for fifty years, meat consumption has continued to increase in households; North America with the highest growth. In this trend, we observe that beef and lamb are the two animals that emit the most CO2 with almost 75%. On the other hand, we find pork and chicken, which are responsible for 9.50% and 8.70% of GHG emissions, respectively. However (and fortunately), it is these last two animals that are consumed the most, leaving cattle in third place. The cost factor and purchasing power are obviously part of the equation. 

Despite this general awareness, the curve continues to increase (until 2014 at least, the date of the study available here). However, we must not stop our efforts and continue to change our consumption habits. Because change, even if we are aware of it, is more difficult to implement when it disrupts our habits...  

Find a full article (Le Monde) which summarizes the study in question: Why is meat so harmful to the planet?  

Alternative power supply

Now, meat probably no longer has a place on our plates every day. At least, we must be aware that this habit has serious consequences. To reduce your carbon footprint without putting your health aside (that's obvious), we can replace this protein intake. Indeed, many foods are also rich in protein and can be used as a substitute. 

Often, we support the arguments of taste or texture  to discredit plant-based alternatives. Faced with this, a lot of products and brands specialize in substitutes that adopt mimicry. For example, a soy steak that would be worked and designed to look and taste like a beef burger. The texture and aromas are convincing, they say. 

Other alternatives exist and are much more interesting. Discovery is part of food: let's discover new culinary horizons. Lentils, oilseeds, spirulina, chia seeds, spinach, quinoa, oats, chickpeas, beans and the famous soy are obviously the top seeds of plant-based protein alternatives. To give an example: lenses can come in a multitude of shapes and can serve several roles. Firstly, red lentils which can be eaten cooked in water, in the form of pâté, in soup, etc. Available and delicious, they are a must-have to have in your cupboards. Second, green or black lentils can also be the base of a comfort food like dahl. But also as an accompaniment in a salad with beautiful seasonal vegetables (to learn more about seasonal vegetables: our dedicated article. Of course, there are other examples. In our opinion, it is important to highlight them and to show the plurality of these more sustainable alternatives. 

Future and food 

Meat is outdated. Although it is still enormously (too much) present in our consumption habits and in the public space, this must change. The figures speak for themselves: if we don't change the way we eat, the consequences will be disastrous. Curiosity and open-mindedness are probably our best allies. They will allow us to expand our knowledge and reinvent our daily meals. To contribute to this and try to convince the most reluctant, we can, for example, offer them a vegetarian recipe book, suggest a favorite restaurant that offers sustainable cuisine, etc. Our influence on those around us may be greater than we think. Changing habits is not an easy thing, but if we all act together, the road ahead will seem much more pleasant.

Discover here 6 apps that allow you to eat better and healthy.