Norwegian Chef Lise Finckenhagen has placed the veggie pizza in the spotlight. It’s her Monday recommendation on a sample menu of foods that follows the planetary health diet.
The diet is a model that was created by the EAT-Lancet Commission (EAT), a global non-profit dedicated to improving the way the world consumes food. The organization brings more than 30 scientists together to conduct research on nutrition and sustainability. Together they look for practical solutions to feeding 10 billion people within our planet’s fragile boundaries. One way to do this is by encouraging the planetary health diet. Naturally, this includes pizza!
Related: Healthy Pizza? Definitely
What is the diet exactly?
According to the EAT website:
The planetary health diet is a global reference diet for adults that is symbolically represented by half a plate of fruits, vegetables and nuts.
The other half consists of primarily whole grains, plant proteins (beans, lentils, pulses), unsaturated plant oils, modest amounts of meat and dairy, and some added sugars and starchy vegetables.
Vegetarian and vegan diets are two healthy options within the planetary health diet but are personal choices.
EAT encourages everyone to make adjustments to the diet based on their culture, tastes or geographical regions. Chef Finckenhagen’s sample menu only gives a general idea of what you can eat during one week of full planetary and bodily health. Other foods on the sample menu were baked cod, chicken ramen soup, risotto, veggie tacos, falafel wraps and cauliflower chili con carne.
Even though pizza fits the guidelines for the planetary health diet, remember that it’s not all pizzas. If your pizza is half vegetables, fruits or nuts with a “modest” amount of cheese and meat, then you’re well on your way to a better future for everyone. “Pizza’s not a bad food for you. It’s all about how you consume it, like with anything,” said Brian Hernandez, a staff member at PMQ who lost 30 pounds on the pizza diet.
Inspired? Tag your sustainable snack on Instagram with the hashtag #planetaryhealthchallenge. If it’s pizza, tag us too! @pmqpizzamag
