Rebalancing Your Plate: 5 Simple Steps to Eating Sustainably
By Jennifer DiFrancesco, Director of Culinary Innovation at Sodexo Campus
As awareness grows around the environmental impact of our eating habits, many people are turning toward more sustainable dining. While some may assume that eating sustainably means giving up meat altogether, Sodexo’s second edition of the International Sustainable Food Barometer tells a different story. The findings reinforce that balance — not sacrifice — is key to achieving both personal health and environmental goals.
Even among the most committed sustainable eaters, meat typically remains a part of their diet, with 51% consuming it a few times a week. However, an overwhelming 86% are working to reduce their intake of red meat, acknowledging healthier alternatives for themselves and the planet. A 2024 Harvard Health study reinforced the health benefits, finding that if people cut back on red meat consumption by 30% over a 10-year period, it could prevent more than 300,000 incidents of cardiovascular disease. As we embrace these insights, there’s plenty of room to explore how small adjustments can make a big difference.
Step 1: Enjoy Your Favorite Flavors While Making Room for Plant-Rich Options
Sustainable eating doesn’t mean forcing yourself to give up everything you love. It’s about finding new ways to enjoy the foods you already like while making room for more plant-rich options. The trick is to start with what you already enjoy and gradually introduce more plant-based ingredients. It’s all about balance and abundance, not deprivation.
For example, if you love sweet potatoes like I do, they’re a perfect choice for creating plant-rich meals. Whether you’re roasting, baking, mashing or frying them, sweet potatoes are not only nutritious but also incredibly versatile. One of my favorite plant-rich meals is sweet potato and black bean tacos, topped with a creamy avocado crema and fresh herbs. It’s simple, satisfying and a great way to get more vegetables and legumes onto your plate.
While it’s tempting to go all-in and experiment with new ingredients, I recommend starting with familiar flavors and gradually expanding your palate. If you’re not a fan of kale, don’t force yourself to eat it in a garlic kale burger or kale pesto. Sustainable eating should be enjoyable, not a chore! Instead, try to focus on vegetables, grains and legumes you already love. Mushrooms, lentils, cauliflower and beans are all fantastic options for creating hearty dishes like tacos, pasta and even pizza. The beauty of sustainable eating is the endless possibilities — once you find what works for you, that opens the door for you to get creative and have fun with it!
Step 2: Reduce Meat Consumption
The key takeaway from the study is that we don’t have to completely eliminate meat to make an impact. In fact, reducing red meat intake is an achievable goal for many people, and the findings provide a hopeful outlook for those looking to make a positive change. With a growing understanding of the health risks associated with high levels of red meat consumption combined with the environmental consequences of industrial animal farming, it’s no surprise that more people are cutting back.
Step 3: Choose Climate-Friendly Proteins
When it comes to the most climate-friendly protein, plant-based options lead the way. Plant proteins that come from whole foods like beans and lentils have a significantly lower environmental impact than animal proteins.
While some animal products— such as chicken or sustainably farmed fish— may have a smaller environmental footprint compared to red meat, the consensus remains that plant proteins are the most eco-friendly option. Incorporating more plants into your diet helps reduce your personal carbon footprint while also providing nutritional benefits.
Step 4: Allow Yourself to Take Small Steps
For those who currently consume large amounts of meat, making a shift toward a more sustainable plate may feel daunting. The good news? Making a change doesn’t have to happen overnight. One smart approach is to mix animal meat with plant-based ingredients. This allows you to maintain the flavors and textures you’re accustomed to while gradually reducing your meat consumption.
Mushrooms, lentils and beans are excellent ingredients to add into your dishes. For example, you can blend lentils with ground beef in a Bolognese sauce or add cooked quinoa to your meatball recipe. This helps to reduce the overall amount of meat while still delivering a satisfying and hearty meal. One of my favorite recipes at our campus locations is the Spicy Arrabbiata Blended Meatball Bowl, which combines blended meatballs with creamy polenta and sautéed garlic broccoli — resulting in a flavorful and climate-friendly dish.
With so many delicious plant-based options available, it’s easier than ever to enjoy familiar comfort foods like burgers or chicken sandwiches, but without the animal product. For instance, one of our new recipes, Thai Impossible Chicken and Waffles, features crispy plant-based chicken paired with golden waffles, crunchy scallion slaw and a sweet and spicy Asian sauce. It’s both a fun and tasty way to incorporate more plant-based foods into your meals!
Step 5: Make Your Meals Delicious and Enjoyable
The most important thing to remember as you transition toward more sustainable dining is that your meals should be delicious and enjoyable. This transition isn’t about forcing yourself into a restrictive diet; it’s about finding new ways to eat well and positively impact both your health and the planet. By incorporating more plant-based foods into your meals, experimenting with new ingredients and choosing climate-friendly proteins, you’re creating a sustainable plate that supports your well-being and reduces your carbon footprint.
So, let’s rebalance our plates — not by sacrificing what we love, but by embracing the abundance of plant-rich, delicious foods that are good for us and the planet!