Diet Practices

The largest contributor to the global greenhouse effect is our meat-based diet. In the last 150 years, the rapid growth of the meat and dairy industries has cleared more forests, and consumed more grains and natural resources (especially water) than any other industry. The agricultural methods used to grow animals have caused a long list of meat- and dairy-related health problems that affect billions of people around the world. Animal farms and animal markets are the most dangerous incubators of deadly viruses, with more than five lethal flu pandemic outbreaks since 1918. The improper treatment and disposal of animal waste contributes to the release of methane and other greenhouse gases, which, combined with other animal farming factors, contributes to 18–20% of the planet’s greenhouse emissions.

Thus, adopting a plant-based diet has a positive wide scale impact on our planet’s geosphere, biosphere, and sociosphere. On a personal and individual level, the quality of our energy determines the quality of our lives. And what we eat on a daily basis has direct impact on the quality of our energy.

Below are some guidelines to adopting a life-supportive diet:

  1. Slowly cut out meat. Start with “meatless Mondays” (or another day) and then, over time, expand to other days of the week. For some, it’s easy to focus on having one or two plant-based meals every day. The key is to keep it consistent over one or two months and then gradually increase the frequency of meatless days. Make time to look for good vegan/vegetarian restaurants or food outlets. (If you are in Singapore, click here for places where you can eat delicious vegetarian/vegan dishes.)
  2. Cut out dairy and eggs. This can be done progressively. Remember that dairy foods are “liquid animal protein,” equally harmful to health; they are not environmentally friendly and cruelty-free.
  3. Eat more whole, unprocessed, plant-based food. Dark leafy vegetables and protein-rich foods like tempeh, tofu, mushrooms, grains, beans, nuts, and fruits. (Here is a presentation of the benefits of eating whole foods.)
  4. Organic soy and wheat “mock meats” can be included in your weekly diet. This meat alternative has a remarkable texture, similar to meat and it is made 100% from plants. Organic mock meats are a great alternative for heavy meat eaters who are on their way to becoming vegetarians.
  5. Vegan and vegetarian dishes are very tasty. Invest your time in getting new and simple recipes to cook. When your food is enjoyable, it’s obviously easy to sustain the diet. (Click here, here or here for simple vegan recipes that you can make in 20-30 minutes.)
  6. Cut out preservatives and highly processed food. Eat in a way that supports your own health. (Here is a brief and simple explanation of food preservatives.)
  7. Invest in an alkaline water machine.
  8. Use only natural salt, raw sugar, and high quality coconut or olive oil at home.
  9. Make time to look for or make simple healthy snacks.