Keto's Environmental Benefits: Debunking The Critics

The keto diet is often criticised for being bad for the environment, with its high meat consumption driving climate change. However, there are ways to follow a keto diet that is eco-friendly. Firstly, it's important to note that a low-meat diet is not necessarily better for the environment. In the US, unsustainable crop-growing practices create more emissions than livestock. Secondly, there are ways to consume meat more sustainably, such as buying grass-fed, organic, and pasture-raised meat. This type of farming can improve soil quality and foster the growth of natural grasslands, helping to sequester carbon from the atmosphere. Finally, there are other ways to make a keto diet more environmentally friendly, such as reducing food waste, avoiding packaged goods, and choosing sustainable seafood.

Grass-fed meat is eco-friendly

Grass-fed meat is often considered to be a more eco-friendly alternative to grain-fed meat. This is because grass-fed meat is argued to be more sustainable and ethical, with a reduced carbon footprint.

Firstly, grass-fed meat is more sustainable. Grass-fed animals are allowed to roam and graze, which improves land use, nutrient and manure management, and soil health. This, in turn, helps to sequester carbon from the atmosphere, reducing the carbon footprint of meat production. Sustainable livestock farming can also improve soil quality and foster the growth of natural grasslands, making the land more resilient to flooding and drought.

Secondly, grass-fed meat is more ethical. Animals that are grass-fed have more freedom to roam and graze, which is argued to be better for their welfare. In contrast, grain-fed animals are often kept in crowded pens and fed mainly grains, with added hormones and antibiotics to fatten them up quickly.

Thirdly, grass-fed meat has a reduced carbon footprint. While some argue that grass-fed cows produce more methane due to their longer lifespans, others claim that the carbon-trapping benefits of grass-fed cattle offset these emissions. Additionally, grass-fed meat can be grazed on land that is not suitable for farming, improving local land use and water filtration.

However, it is important to note that grass-fed beef requires more land and water than grain-fed beef, and there is debate over whether the benefits of grass-fed meat outweigh the increased use of resources. Some also argue that the most eco-friendly option is to reduce meat consumption altogether.

Local and organic produce reduces emissions

However, it's important to note that transportation only accounts for a small portion of food's greenhouse gas emissions. The production of food, including farming practices and agricultural inputs, contributes more significantly to emissions. Organic farming methods can help reduce these emissions by eliminating the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, which are major sources of nitrous oxide emissions. Additionally, organic farming can improve soil quality and sequester carbon, further contributing to emission reductions.

When it comes to meat production, which is often associated with the keto diet, there are also ways to reduce emissions. Choosing grass-fed, organic, and pasture-raised meat from local farmers can be more environmentally friendly than conventional meat. These farming practices can improve soil health, sequester carbon, and reduce the use of antibiotics, water, and grain-based feed.

Overall, combining local, organic, and sustainable farming practices can help reduce emissions and make the keto diet more environmentally friendly.

Vegetarian keto is possible

The keto diet is often criticised for being bad for the environment, with many people urging a reduction in meat consumption to combat climate change. However, it is possible to follow a keto diet that is environmentally friendly and does not include animal products.

The vegetarian keto diet combines aspects of vegetarianism and keto dieting. While challenging, it is doable and can be beneficial for weight loss and blood sugar control. It requires more planning than a typical ketogenic diet as it is more restrictive, and vegetarians already need to be mindful of falling short on key nutrients.

On a vegetarian keto diet, it is important to prioritise protein and healthy fats while limiting carbs. This can be achieved by including protein-packed veggies paired with high-quality fats. Examples of protein alternatives are tofu and tempeh, while plant-based fats include avocado and its oil, coconut and its oil, and olives and their oil.

Other foods that can be included in a vegetarian keto diet are:

• Low-carb veggies like zucchini, Swiss chard, mushrooms, asparagus, celery, spinach, bok choy, broccoli rabe, and cabbage
• Nuts, especially pecans, macadamias, pili nuts, and hazelnuts
• Seeds
• Dairy products like full-fat plain yogurt, plain cottage cheese, hard cheeses, and butter
• Eggs
• Berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries

It is important to note that beans and lentils, grains, most fruits, and all varieties of potatoes should be avoided on a vegetarian keto diet as they are high in carbs.

In conclusion, while the keto diet has been criticised for being bad for the environment, there are ways to make it more sustainable, such as by following a vegetarian keto diet. This not only reduces the impact of meat production but also provides the benefits of a vegetarian diet, including weight loss and improved blood sugar control.

Palm oil is bad for the environment

Palm oil is a popular edible vegetable oil found in a wide range of products, from doughnuts to shampoo. It is extremely versatile and can be sourced from squeezing the fleshy fruit or crushing the stone of the palm tree, scientifically known as Elaeis guineensis. While palm oil has many uses and benefits, its production has had devastating impacts on the environment. Here are some reasons why palm oil is considered bad for the environment:

Deforestation and Loss of Biodiversity

Deforestation is a common issue in areas where palm oil is grown, such as Indonesia, Papua, Malaysia, and New Guinea. The removal of native forests for palm oil production involves burning timber and forest undergrowth, emitting large amounts of smoke into the atmosphere and contributing to climate change. The expansion of palm oil plantations has also led to the loss of biodiversity and natural habitats, particularly in Southeast Asia. This region is home to many plant and animal species, including endangered fauna such as the Sumatran tiger, rhinoceros, Asian elephant, orangutan, and birds of paradise.

Soil Erosion and Poor Soil Quality

The process of planting palm oil trees while removing existing flora can lead to soil erosion and degradation of soil quality. The young palm oil trees absorb valuable nutrients from the soil, depleting the nutrient levels for other trees. The close distances between trees, designed to optimize space, have further impacted soil quality, leading to increased use of fertilizers and pesticides. This has made it challenging for existing flora and fauna to survive and has affected the livelihoods of local villagers who depend on the land for food and timber.

Increased Carbon and Methane Emissions

Forests store large amounts of carbon, and when they are cleared for palm oil plantations, carbon is released into the environment. This contributes to global warming and climate change. Additionally, the change in land use from forests to palm oil cultivation can stimulate the process of methanogenesis, leading to increased methane emissions. Methane has a much higher warming potential than carbon dioxide, and even a slight increase can significantly impact global temperatures.

Health Risks to Humans

The increased use of herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers in palm oil plantations can result in the contamination of domestic water sources. This can pose various health risks to humans, including certain types of cancers, growth problems, and reproductive disorders. Additionally, the cutting down of forests and the release of ground-level ozone can increase the risks of bronchitis, asthma, and lung cancer.

Socio-Economic and Livelihood Loss

The long-term impact of palm oil production can be detrimental to indigenous societies, particularly those that depend on forest areas for their survival and livelihood. The change in land use from crop farming to palm oil cultivation can also lead to instability in food prices and crop yields due to increased global warming and flooding. Community displacement due to illegal land grabs or forced relocation is also a growing concern.

Reduce food waste

Reducing food waste is one of the top ways to contribute to a healthier environment. Here are some tips to reduce food waste on a keto diet:

• Plan your meals and shop according to that plan.
• Serve smaller portions so that people can come back for seconds instead of leaving food on their plates.
• Serve food buffet-style so that people can take only what they want.
• Use leftovers quickly or freeze them for future meals.
• Simmer vegetable stalks and trimmings (e.g. broccoli, cauliflower, kale) in soups and stocks.
• Blanch and freeze vegetables that are at risk of spoilage.
• Keep a list of fridge items with expiry dates posted on the fridge.
• Keep a list of frozen items on the fridge and incorporate them into meal planning.
• Buy frozen vegetables and only use what you need for each meal.
• Buy misshapen vegetables, which are just as nutritious as their perfectly-shaped counterparts.
• Buy and consume more frozen foods, such as low-carb vegetables and grass-fed meats.
• Keep track of expiration dates.

Frequently asked questions