The term “herbal” is hot.
I recently attended a sponsored conference in which the term “derogatory” was introduced. This term describes meat eaters who are trying to reduce portions and frequency of meat consumption and add more plants to their diet.
Less meat, more plants
Full disclosure: I’m an omnivore. While I understand the concerns about the environmental impact of livestock farming, solutions that sound simple, generally aren’t. If animals were removed from our food supply, how much water and energy would be required to replace the lost nutrition? It’s not that simple right?
However, whether you’re an omnivore or a vegetarian, adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet is a good thing. They provide us with antioxidants and other healthy ingredients called phytochemicals. A phytochemical is a substance that has a positive health benefit.
However, seeing the term “plant-based” on a product doesn’t necessarily translate to “good for you.” One could argue that there are many packaged foods that use only plant-based ingredients and have been on the market for a long time. Chips fried in vegetable oil are “plant-based”. Many packaged cookies or sandwich crackers are “plant-based.” These products are fine to eat once in a while, but they shouldn’t be on your plate at every meal, every day.
Instead of just trying to add plants with packaged products, add more fruits and vegetables, nuts and legumes to your diet as well.
Simple ways to add more plants to your diet:
- Add more fresh, canned or frozen vegetables to your meals. You’d be surprised at the nutrition a can of tomatoes and a can of beans can provide (not to mention quick meals).
- Incorporate soy, NUTS, peanut butter and other nut butters in recipes.
- Try a meatless meal like mine Moroccan-inspired vegetable stew with chickpeas, each week, incorporating beans or legumes.
- Try a savory breakfast more often (think – veggie omelets, toast with sliced tomato, cheese or avocado, beans and toast, or try some plant-based meat alternatives).
New herbal products
In many cases, these new herbal products are about new sales. The public equates “plant-based” with “better for me.” Therefore, many brands are adding plant-based products to their portfolio.
- Danone has launched new plant-based creams (a Silk Mocha Almond Cream and a Sweet & Creamy Coconut Milk Cream)
- Ben & Jerry’s (which was acquired by Unilever in 2000) has expanded its vegan non-dairy range. The reformulated oat-based ice cream will be available this year.
- Beyond Meat® has reformulated its Beyond Burger®, reducing both saturated fat and sodium. (Disclosure: I attended a session sponsored by Beyond Meat. I was able to test the product, but I was not paid to discuss it. Learn more about it here).
“Merchandising, merchandising, where the real money comes from the movie!” ~ quote from the character ‘Yogurt’ in the movie Space Balls
Are plant-based products good for the environment?
I am personally not convinced that these types of products will support a healthier climate. While beef production uses many resources, I don’t think eliminating it from the food supply is a great strategy. A single cow produces between 154 and 264 pounds of methane gas per year, (although estimates vary). Globally, food loss and waste contribute to 8% of greenhouse gases emitted. That’s more than all of U.S. livestock and nearly as much as all of U.S. agriculture.
In terms of environmental impact, throwing away less food is probably more beneficial than choosing a “plant-based” food.
To learn more about food waste and how to throw away less food, check out my podcast interview with Ellie Krieger here.
What is Regenerative?
You may also start seeing the term “regenerative” used in food packaging. This term refers to an agricultural process and a marketing term. Although there is no agreed definition of the term, there are agreed results. The practice of agriculture continues to progress like any other scientific process.
Regenerative agriculture is not new, but it is coming to the fore when it comes to mitigating climate change. Marketers of food products are taking the opportunity to use it to sell products. Hopefully the result will include more farms working to conserve more resources while replenishing the land.
- The Be a good dog was created by Applegate, promising to “heal the planet” by making a hot dog made with beef raised on certified regenerative pastures in the US. That’s a big ask from a humble hot dog.
- King Author flour uses the term to market its new wholemeal flour blend – Regenerative-Cosmetic Climate Blend Flour. hmm? They claim the blend’s grains were grown using regenerative practices that allow farmers to reduce tillage, replant less often and improve soil health.
Protein predictions
Proteins have also been very popular lately. My 2024 Prediction: The Protein Excess Is Over!
Influencers recommend adding more protein to the diet for everyone from teenagers to athletes to menopausal women. I’m honestly sick of hearing all this “add more protein” and supplement advice. Where do you draw the line that is drawn very much protein?
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that eating too much protein can be bad for your arteries.
- They estimate that about 25% of the US population gets more than 22 percent of their daily calories from protein (the recommendation is 15% – about 60-75 grams per day for the average person).
- Protein plays an important role in the body, especially for muscle repair (and protein requirements increase with injury or after surgery), but “more” may not always be better.
Balanced
It’s boring, but as always – it comes down to balance! Yes, include protein in every meal (enjoy that cottage cheese!), but don’t overdo it. Eating a variety of foods from each food group ensures you get the nutrients you need, in the right portions.
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