Food challenge

What and why?

Choose plant-based foods.

A diverse, colourful diet consisting mainly of plant-based foods is better for you and the environment. Eating plants instead of animals and making meals from ingredients instead of packets will reduce the carbon impact of your calories. You may also find health benefits in a more varied and less processed diet1.

Eat the food you buy.

In UK households we waste 4.5 million tonnes of edible food every year, contributing to an annual carbon footprint of nearly 25 million tonnes of CO2 from household food waste2. Buying less, storing food appropriately and using up all the food we have saves money and greenhouse gases. 

Enjoy healthy portions.

Food production has a big impact on emissions, and there are several health problems associated with overeating. Eating in line with our individual energy needs and avoiding overeating is better for our bodies and limits our impact on the environment. 

Top tips 

  • Start off small – try vegan or vegetarian diets for a set number of days per week 
  • Try to avoid overly processed meat-replacement options. Instead, opt for high protein wholefoods such as lentils, chickpeas and beans. Green lentils are an excellent replacement for beef mince in many dishes, while chickpeas work well in a curry or stew.  
  • Consider your portion size in line with your requirements. If you're very active throughout the day or do sports you're likely to need more calories than someone who leads a sedentary lifestyle. The British Nutrition Foundation provides an overview of portioning3 
  • Tell friends and family that you're changing your diet. Invite them over to try new recipes with you, or discover new, local, plant-based restaurants together. 
  • Plan meals. Use a shopping list and be mindful of dates on packaging to reduce food waste.

1 EAT - Lancet Report 

2 Why Save Food | Love Food Hate Waste

3 Get portion wise! - British Nutrition Foundation

 

Be the Change

Be the change by signing up to this challenge for at least one month. 

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#UOBethechange

Use #UOBethechange hashtag and share your journey of taking up the food challenge with others! 

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