Study Finds Veganism To Be The Most Sustainable Diet, Published By PLOS

[doppelganger 4,019]

Sustainability of farming practices is the issue here. Large scale industrialised monoculture farming of vegetables, fruits and livestocks can cause huge environmental damage. The production of beef produces huge amount of greenhouse gases and stripping the land bare, but production of corn and soy isn't THAT much better. The problem with this article is it really oversimplifies the issue of sustainability to make some people feel better. 

[Anastasia 6,093]

14 minutes ago, doppelganger said:

Sustainability of farming practices is the issue here. Large scale industrialised monoculture farming of vegetables, fruits and livestocks can cause huge environmental damage. The production of beef produces huge amount of greenhouse gases and stripping the land bare, but production of corn and soy isn't THAT much better. The problem with this article is it really oversimplifies the issue of sustainability to make some people feel better. 

It's not an article by some random journalist, its a scientific study, unbiased. Corn and soy are two products out of the many different kinds of fruits, vegetables and whole grains you can eat on a vegan diet. 

[Bette Davis 12,742]

29 minutes ago, doppelganger said:

Sustainability of farming practices is the issue here. Large scale industrialised monoculture farming of vegetables, fruits and livestocks can cause huge environmental damage. The production of beef produces huge amount of greenhouse gases and stripping the land bare, but production of corn and soy isn't THAT much better. The problem with this article is it really oversimplifies the issue of sustainability to make some people feel better. 

Even if corn and soy were as environmentally damaging as raising livestock, which they aren't, a huge portion of both are grown just to feed livestock anyways. We wouldn't be growing as much soy and corn if humans didn't eat so much meat and dairy.

[wahkeenasitka 1,995]

And the most under nourishing!

(excuse me while i go eat beef for dinner)

[doppelganger 4,019]

17 minutes ago, Anastasia said:

It's not an article by some random journalist, its a scientific study, unbiased. Corn and soy are two products out of the many different kinds of fruits, vegetables and whole grains you can eat on a vegan diet. 

Fair enough, the link is a study. You shouldn't have used "most sustainable" because that is n't the title of the article. 

Apologies! Yes we can all do more for the environment. 

[Anastasia 6,093]

4 minutes ago, wahkeenasitka said:

And the most under nourishing!

(excuse me while i go eat beef for dinner)

What?

Did you read the study?

Aren't you a little too old to be trolling?
 

Spoiler

All the major dietetics and health organizations in the world agree that vegan and vegetarian diets are just as healthy as omnivorous diets. Here are links to what some of them have to say on the subject:

American Dietetic Association

It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, and for athletes.

Dietitians of Canada

A well planned vegan diet can meet all of these needs. It is safe and healthy for pregnant and breastfeeding women, babies, children, teens and seniors.

The British National Health Service

With good planning and an understanding of what makes up a healthy, balanced vegan diet, you can get all the nutrients your body needs.

The British Nutrition Foundation

A well-planned, balanced vegetarian or vegan diet can be nutritionally adequate ... Studies of UK vegetarian and vegan children have revealed that their growth and development are within the normal range.

The Dietitians Association of Australia

Vegan diets are a type of vegetarian diet, where only plant-based foods are eaten. They differ to other vegetarian diets in that no animal products are usually consumed or used. Despite these restrictions, with good planning it is still possible to obtain all the nutrients required for good health on a vegan diet.

The United States Department of Agriculture

Vegetarian diets (see context) can meet all the recommendations for nutrients. The key is to consume a variety of foods and the right amount of foods to meet your calorie needs. Follow the food group recommendations for your age, sex, and activity level to get the right amount of food and the variety of foods needed for nutrient adequacy. Nutrients that vegetarians may need to focus on include protein, iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamin B12.

The National Health and Medical Research Council

Alternatives to animal foods include nuts, seeds, legumes, beans and tofu. For all Australians, these foods increase dietary variety and can provide a valuable, affordable source of protein and other nutrients found in meats. These foods are also particularly important for those who follow vegetarian or vegan dietary patterns. Australians following a vegetarian diet can still meet nutrient requirements if energy needs are met and the appropriate number and variety of serves from the Five Food Groups are eaten throughout the day. For those eating a vegan diet, supplementation of B12 is recommended.

The Mayo Clinic

A well-planned vegetarian diet (see context) can meet the needs of people of all ages, including children, teenagers, and pregnant or breast-feeding women. The key is to be aware of your nutritional needs so that you plan a diet that meets them.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada

Vegetarian diets (see context) can provide all the nutrients you need at any age, as well as some additional health benefits.

Harvard Medical School

Traditionally, research into vegetarianism focused mainly on potential nutritional deficiencies, but in recent years, the pendulum has swung the other way, and studies are confirming the health benefits of meat-free eating. Nowadays, plant-based eating is recognized as not only nutritionally sufficient but also as a way to reduce the risk for many chronic illnesses.

 

[doppelganger 4,019]

5 minutes ago, Bette Davis said:

Even if corn and soy were as environmentally damaging as raising livestock, which they aren't, a huge portion of both are grown just to feed livestock anyways. We wouldn't be growing as much soy and corn if humans didn't eat so much meat and dairy.

Yeah you're right. That's why i mentioned sustainable farming practices. 

[Anastasia 6,093]

3 minutes ago, doppelganger said:

Fair enough, the link is a study. You shouldn't have used "most sustainable" because that is n't the title of the article. 

Apologies! Yes we can all do more for the environment. 

If you read the study, it is saying veganism was shown to be the most sustainable diet.

[JustinTrudeau 2,419]

@Anastasia (or anyone in this trend, really), do you have some favourite vegetarian/vegan recipes you can recommend, especially those who are starting out from the beginning? I don't really mind missing out on meat, but cheese and eggs will have to take some time for me. I'm not picky with food btw 

I just started living on my own, so I can cook for myself rather than have my mom decide what I should eat most of the time.  

[Bette Davis 12,742]

9 minutes ago, doppelganger said:

Yeah you're right. That's why i mentioned sustainable farming practices. 

Yeah, that's true. I think a large part of the problem, at least in the US, is that the government is subsidizing the wrong types of agriculture. They should be subsidizing sustainable and diverse agriculture, instead of mostly corn.

[doppelganger 4,019]

12 minutes ago, Anastasia said:

If you read the study, it is saying veganism was shown to be the most sustainable diet.

That really oversimplifies thing. For example is eating imported quinoa sustainable?

 

edit: sorry using my 4" phone to type

[doppelganger 4,019]

1 minute ago, Bette Davis said:

Yeah, that's true. I think a large part of the problem, at least in the US, is that the government is subsidizing the wrong types of agriculture. They should be subsidizing sustainable and diverse agriculture, instead of mostly corn.

I'm not American but I understand that there are strong agricultural lobbyists in the US?

 

[Anastasia 6,093]

56 minutes ago, ZarinStar said:

@Anastasia (or anyone in this trend, really), do you have some favourite vegetarian/vegan recipes you can recommend, especially those who are starting out from the beginning? I don't really mind missing out on meat, but cheese and eggs will have to take some time for me. I'm not picky with food btw 

I just started living on my own, so I can cook for myself rather than have my mom decide what I should eat most of the time.  

You've created a monster by asking 

Fajitas: http://minimalistbaker.com/poblano-and-portobello-fajitas/

Cauliflower Buffalo Wings: http://www.hotforfoodblog.com/recipes/2014/2/11/cauliflower-buffalo-wings

Buffalo Cauliflower Steak Sandwich: http://www.hotforfoodblog.com/recipes/2014/11/1/vegan-buffalo-cauliflower-sandwich

Easy Chili: http://www.hotforfoodblog.com/recipes/2016/2/15/easy-vegan-chili

Vegan Parmesan: http://minimalistbaker.com/how-to-make-vegan-parmesan-cheese/

Rice Paper Bacon: http://yupitsvegan.com/2016/04/18/vegan-rice-paper-bacon/

How I make my tofu for stir fry: http://minimalistbaker.com/tofu-that-tastes-good-stir-fry/

Vegan Pancakes: http://runningonrealfood.com/whole-wheat-fluffy-vegan-pancakes/

Sweet Potato Fries: http://cookieandkate.com/2010/baked-sweet-potato-fries/

Chip Dip: http://www.adventuresofaglutenfreemom.com/2011/11/gluten-free-vegan-french-onion-dip/

Chicken Noodle Soup: http://www.hotforfoodblog.com/recipes/2015/11/16/vegan-chicken-noodle-soup

Cashew Sour Cream: http://www.hotforfoodblog.com/recipes/2014/8/19/cashew-sour-cream

Pierogies: http://www.hotforfoodblog.com/recipes/2015/11/2/vegan-sweet-potato-sauerkraut-pierogies

My favourite tofu scramble: http://minimalistbaker.com/southwest-tofu-scramble/

Mozzarella Cheese: http://www.hotforfoodblog.com/recipes/2015/10/13/margherita-pizza

Breakfast Sandwich: http://www.hotforfoodblog.com/recipes/2014/10/25/the-vegan-breakfast-sandwich

Chickpea Tuna Salad Sandwich: http://www.hotforfoodblog.com/recipes/2015/8/11/chickpea-tuna-sandwich

Nacho Cheese: http://www.hotforfoodblog.com/recipes/2015/1/22/nacho-cheese

Healthy Carrot Muffins: http://minimalistbaker.com/one-bowl-carrot-apple-muffins-vegan-gf/

Minestrone Soup: http://www.girlmakesfood.com/vegan-minestrone-soup/

My favourite salad, lots of umami (video):

Spoiler

 

Stuffed Peppers (video): 

Spoiler

 

Almond Feta: http://yupitsvegan.com/2016/05/24/baked-almond-feta/

I eat spaghetti, burritos, stir-fry, rice and veggies, falafels, oatmeal, smoothies, salads, casserole, sushi and shepherd's pie a lot but I don't follow recipes. I can try to find similar recipes or describe what I do if you are interested though.

Youtube channels I recommend are Hot for Food and The Buddhist Chef for good recipes.

[Anastasia 6,093]

1 hour ago, ZarinStar said:

@Anastasia (or anyone in this trend, really), do you have some favourite vegetarian/vegan recipes you can recommend, especially those who are starting out from the beginning? I don't really mind missing out on meat, but cheese and eggs will have to take some time for me. I'm not picky with food btw 

I just started living on my own, so I can cook for myself rather than have my mom decide what I should eat most of the time.  

Just adding more info lol

Peta's Accidently Vegan Food List, some of these may have changed over the years or are not vegan in every country, but its still a start

http://www.peta.org/living/food/accidentally-vegan/comment-page-9/?PageIndex=1

[Bette Davis 12,742]

1 hour ago, doppelganger said:

I'm not American but I understand that there are strong agricultural lobbyists in the US?

 

Yes, for sure. Unfortunately, there is a lot of that. Our food industry is so corrupt and messed up. There's way too much money swaying regulations, laws and subsidies for things that are not healthy for people. Corn is a classic example. It's no wonder so many of us Americans are so fat and unhealthy. If you're interested, The Omnivores Dilemma is a great book that covers all of that.