CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2023
| Author | Oort Alonso, Ines |
|---|---|
| Title | A Gastronomical Exploration of the Adherence of a Traditional Mediterranean Diet to EAT Lancet Planetary Health Reference Diet |
| Summary | The interconnection between human health and environmental sustainability on a global scale necessitates immediate action to align dietary practices with internationally established goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. However, any transition in eating habits must carefully consider the preservation of food identity and the respectful inclusion of local cultural practices. The EAT Lancet's Reference Diet, which offers recommended food choices to meet nutritional requirements while operating within ecological limits, aims to be adaptable to diverse local contexts. Exploring the degree of adherence to the EAT Lancet Reference Diet within regions that traditionally follow Mediterranean dietary patterns remains an unexplored area, yet it represents an initial step towards developing localized adaptations of the Planetary Health Diet. To assess the adherence to the Reference Diet, this study examines recipes from the Greek Island of Ikaria, renowned for its longevity and adherence to the Mediterranean Dietary Pattern. Through an analysis of 52 traditional Ikarian recipes, the study assigns scores to food groups and recipes based on their degree of conformity to the Planetary Health Diet targets. The findings reveal that Ikarian recipes often fall short of the prescribed targets, particularly in four key categories: Beef, Lamb and Pork; Tubers and Starchy Vegetables; Whole Grains; and Dairy Foods. A comparative analysis between "Planetary Health Recipes" and typical Ikarian recipes revealed a higher inclusion of red meat, tubers and starchy vegetables, fish, and vegetables, while whole grains, legumes, and dairy foods were comparatively lower. Consequently, the thesis proposes that specific adjustments to the Greek-Mediterranean Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDG), particularly pertaining to protein sources, grains, and dairy, could potentially enhance adherence to the principles of the Planetary Health Diet. |
| Supervisor | Georgios Vasios |
| Department | Environment Sciences and Policy MSc |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2023/oort-alonso_ines.pdf |
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