Living a healthy lifestyle isn’t just best for you and me - it’s better for the planet too.
How do the six pillars to promote both planetary health? Let’s take a closer look:
Nutrition: A whole-food, plant-predominant eating pattern reduces the environmental impact associated with livestock farming. By choosing minimally processed vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, we support a more sustainable food system.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise not only benefits our health but also reduces our carbon footprint. Active transportation (walking, cycling) and outdoor activities minimize reliance on fossil fuels and promote cleaner air.
Restorative Sleep: Prioritizing quality sleep helps regulate our circadian rhythms and supports overall well-being. Additionally, energy-efficient sleep practices (such as turning off electronic devices) contribute to energy conservationhttps://lifestylemedicine.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Pillar-Booklet.pdf
Stress Management: Recognizing negative stress responses and employing coping mechanisms not only improves personal health but also positively impacts our interactions with others and the environment. Reduced stress leads to better decision-making and more sustainable behaviors.
Positive Social Connections: Building strong relationships fosters community resilience and encourages collective efforts toward sustainability. Social support networks can drive environmental awareness and action.
So practising Lifestyle Medicine not only benefits individuals but also contributes to a healthier planet.
Often, the start of a Lifestyle Medicine journey coincides with looking at what we eat.
There are many ways to eat and remain healthy.
Those who teach and follow the 6 Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine generally recommend a ‘plant-based diet’. This does not have to be vegan- if you aim to eat 30 or more different plants in the week, aiming for a plate that is 80% plants, you get most of the proven benefits of a plant-based diet.
Becoming Plant-Based may seem like a bit step, so here are some key advantages for our planet:
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Plant-based diets, including vegan and low-meat diets, can help lower greenhouse gas emissions. By consuming fewer animal products, we contribute less to the environmental impact associated with livestock farming.
Conserving Water: Plant-based diets require less water compared to diets heavy in meat and dairy. The production of animal-based foods consumes significant amounts of water, so choosing plant-based options helps conserve this precious resource.
Preserving Biodiversity: By opting for plant-based meals, we reduce the demand for farmland. This, in turn, helps protect natural habitats and prevents deforestation, which is crucial for preserving biodiversity.
Healthier People: A plant-based diet promotes individual health, reducing premature deaths by at least 20%. Healthy people are better equipped to care for the planet.
Mitigating Climate Change: The United Nations recognizes plant-based diets as a major opportunity for addressing climate change. Governments worldwide are encouraged to adopt policies that promote reduced meat consumption to combat the crisis.
In summary, enjoying a plant-based diet not only benefits our health but also contributes to a more sustainable and resilient planet.
It’s a win-win for both human health and the planet.