Improving your diet could be helpful during this pandemic. But what is best for you? Dr. Cheryl Kam shares some ideas on improving your meals.

Last week I posted about the considerations in a vegan diet, which many people go onto for sustainability.  

With the ongoing pandemic, I have been spending some (more) time thinking about the roots of ill health...

As a fellow of the Australian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, and a member of the British Society of Ecological medicine, I join a large cohort of doctors in the inkling that. . .

. . .our state of health has EVERYTHING to do with the food system and with our Earth, the planet we call home.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR PLANETARY HEALTH

• Greenhouse gas emissions* (The most pressing issue)

• Pesticide use

• Farmland biodiversity

• Food security 

• Social justice

CONSIDERATIONS FOR HUMAN HEALTH?

Same as above, (no Earth, no humans!) plus:

• Quality of life years lived

• Resistance to disease and premature death

• Mental health

LOW CARBON EMISSIONS, HIGH MINERAL, LOW PROCESSED

Get your nutrient dense food, from calcium to zinc, iron to potassium from this huge range, that is also kind on the planet:

• Nuts and seeds

• Beans and lentils

• Leafy greens and seaweed

• Salmon

• Shellfish (Oysters, Clams, Mussels, Prawns)

• Mushrooms

• Whole grains

• Avocados

• Tofu, Tempeh

• Dark chocolate (organic, fair-trade) 😘

• Dried fruit such as apricots, prunes, raisins, figs, and dates

Does this list sound familiar?  

It's simply a nutrient-rich plant-based diet!  

It's also a diet best for immunity, so pay attention if you're falling sick often, or covid is on your mind.

A WORD ON ULTRA PROCESSED "HEALTHY" FOODS

❌The vegan impossible burger patty is ultra processed.

❌"Nut milks" in cartons - very processed too, and quite unnecessary.  You could make your own, or just eat some nuts and drink some water.

WHEN SHALL I EAT MEAT? 

Meat as a topping, or a weekly treat, and please, absolutely, DO EAT MEAT!

Even better, ORGAN MEATS such as Liver, Spleen, Heart, Lung, Thymus, Pancreas... especially as many of you are women of childbearing age, menstruating and having babies...

(ps. anyone have good recipes please share them, I'm on level 1: Liver 😅, having thoughts of trying a spleen rendang sometime soon)

BIODIVERSITY (THE GUT ONE!)

Do ensure these feature in your diet on the daily as they make beautiful condiments, and help to feed and seed our microbiome.

✔️Sauerkraut, Miso, Achar, Pickles, Homemade Kefir or yoghurt.  

WANT TO WORK WITH ME? 

Most of you need some help to first address any pre-existing nutrient debt.  

Jump into this 4 day course, to Kickstart your immunity and nutrients.

🦩Course participants will be invited to consult with me to further create an impactful strategy towards health and vibrant living!

Kickstart your Immunity Here!