It’s been recognized for decades that the traditional plant-based diets of populations around the world are the healthiest and that the industrialized production and delivery of animal products are not sustainable with 7 billion people on the planet now (and 200,000 added daily). While we haven’t been able to stop cutting down the rain forests for meat production, perhaps we can reduce demand.
Here’s how we can each painlessly move toward more health for ourselves and our planet. It’s called the 4leaf Program from the book Healthy Eating, Healthy World by T. Morris Hicks. At your own pace, aim for more whole plant foods in your meals (and fewer refined and animal products). Look at the percentage of your meal’s calories that come from plant foods. Aim for 20%, 40%, then 60% and, finally, the top level of 80% to 100%. You can feel good however you put it together as you move toward a higher goal and you don’t have to totally give up anything you eat now. You choose when you are ready for each level. Enjoy!