Gesundheit

Germany’s Nutrition Society (DGE) is evaluating the Planetary Health Diet, a globally proposed eating pattern designed to address both human health and environmental sustainability, against existing German dietary guidelines and current consumption patterns. The assessment, announced this week, comes as the diet gains traction as a potential solution to feeding a projected 10 billion people by 2050 without further degrading the planet’s resources.

The Planetary Health Diet, developed by the EAT-Lancet Commission, emphasizes a largely plant-based approach, with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts forming the core of the diet. Whereas not strictly vegetarian or vegan, it significantly reduces the intake of meat and dairy, suggesting modest portions of both. According to EAT, a symbolic representation of the diet is half a plate of fruits and vegetables, with the other half consisting of whole grains, plant proteins, and small amounts of animal products.

Foodwatch, a German food advocacy organization, highlights the diet’s core objective: to nourish a growing global population sustainably. Sarah Häuser of foodwatch questioned whether what is beneficial for the environment is automatically fine for human health, and how practical the diet is for everyday life. The diet allows for different eating styles, including mixed, vegetarian, and vegan options.

A daily intake within the Planetary Health Diet, based on a 2,400-kilocalorie requirement, includes 300 grams of vegetables, 200 grams of fruit, 75 grams of legumes, 50 grams of nuts, 210 grams of whole grains, 50 grams of potatoes, 15 grams of eggs, and 250 grams of milk and dairy equivalents. Fish and poultry are limited to 30 grams each, while red meat consumption is restricted to 15 grams. This represents a substantial shift from typical German dietary habits, which currently include higher levels of animal product consumption.

The DGE’s evaluation will compare the recommended food quantities of the Planetary Health Diet with its own food-based dietary guidelines and data on actual food intake in Germany. The organization’s position statement aims to contribute to scientific discourse surrounding the Planetary Health Diet’s methodology, claims, and practical implementation. The DGE released a related guide in 2024 for using its food-based dietary guidelines in research.

The EAT initiative encourages participation in the #planetaryhealthchallenge, urging individuals to increase their consumption of vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts. The organization emphasizes the diet’s flexibility, allowing for adaptation to local preferences and cultural traditions. EAT has also launched a podcast, “Let’s Rethink Food,” and maintains an active presence on Instagram to promote the diet and engage with the public.