One meatball or steak per week. That's essentially the maximum amount of red meat you can consume as a person, if we all want to keep the world somewhat livable. The recommendation is based on our own health and takes climate and biodiversity into account.
This is evident from the updated "Diet for a Healthy Planet" presented on Friday by the international research organization EAT-Lancet. In addition to approximately 105 grams of red meat per week, there's room for 210 grams of chicken (poultry), 210 grams of fish, two eggs, and about ten glasses of milk (or other dairy).
"This is a recommendation, not an obligation," emphasizes Professor Hannah van Zanten of Wageningen University & Research (WUR). As Professor of Environmental Systems Analysis, she co-authored the research report, which was compiled by nearly seventy scientists from around twenty different universities.
"Those who want to continue eating unhealthy food can, of course, do so," says Van Zanten. "But if you want to help solve global challenges like climate change, the depletion of flora and fauna, and other environmental problems, then choosing what you eat is the most ideal starting point."
The recommended diet is primarily plant-based, with whole grains and 300 grams of vegetables, 200 grams of fruit, 50 grams of nuts, and 75 grams of legumes per day. EAT-Lancet acknowledges that such a daily menu differs significantly from almost every national diet currently followed.
But to keep the planet livable with over 9.6 billion people in 2050, EAT-Lancet believes there's little other option. Only a different food system can address the current crises. "A rapid and meaningful change in our personal and collective behavior is necessary," the study states.
Examples of crises outlined by the research group include chronic diseases caused by unhealthy diets, significant social inequality, climate change, soil depletion, and the loss of animal and plant species. Van Zanten: "People see it all around them. We have a nitrogen crisis in the Netherlands, and we're experiencing larger peaks in rainfall and river discharge."
According to EAT-Lancet, a shift to a healthier diet will yield immediate results. Less red meat, fewer processed foods, and fewer saturated fats, as well as a shift to more vegetables and fruits, will all benefit our own health. The recommended diet prevents fifteen million deaths worldwide each year.
Such a shift is, of course, not easy. EAT-Lancet also recognizes that food, including meat, has important cultural value. What is a German without sausage and a Dutchman without grandma's meatball? The study states that room for the individuality of regions, peoples, and cultures remains possible.
Calls for a reduction in animal protein consumption have been heard in the Netherlands since the 2018 climate agreement negotiations. EAT-Lancet also called for this in an initial publication in 2019. But The Hague has never dared to introduce a meat tax, as is currently being prepared in Denmark.
Van Zanten: "I understand that 'must' doesn't sound pleasant. It's often counterproductive. But we do want to organize our food system in a way that makes it healthy, affordable, and good for the planet." A diet with 33 percent animal protein and 67 percent plant protein is ideal. The Netherlands currently has a diet of 60 percent animal protein and 40 percent plant protein.
However, the publication also offers some hopeful news. Professor Van Zanten and colleagues investigated whether, with the growing world population, it's even possible to produce enough healthy food while staying within the limits of what nature can sustain. Yes, it is.
"If we change our diets, reduce food waste, and increase agricultural productivity, it's possible. Enough food for everyone while simultaneously significantly reducing emissions. That's great news. And you don't have to switch to a strictly vegan diet."
