The pressure is on for us to make environmentally conscious decisions \u2014 for the sake of our health and the planet. In the wake of meat-free initiatives such as Veganuary, there’s been increasing hype surrounding flexitarianism. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s primarily a vegetarian diet<\/a> with the opportunity to dig into ethically sourced and environmentally sourced meat, fish or poultry when you feel a hankering. It’s a diet and lifestyle that allows you the freedom to enjoy the best of both worlds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Uh huh, you can have your cake and eat it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To many, it may seem like a cop out. Go hard or go home, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yeah, nah.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A flexitarian diet is moderate and achievable. The pressure is on for us to make environmentally conscious decisions wherever possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Climate change is very real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the livestock sector is \u201cone of the top two or three most significant contributors to the most serious environmental problems, at every scale from local to global\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Around ten per cent of Australia’s annual greenhouse gas emissions come from the red meat industry. Cows emit methane as they digest grass, which heats the planet 25 times faster than cardon dioxide. Even when grain fed, cows still consume a vast amount of water per kilogram of meat produced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Reducing your meat intake makes all the difference to your carbon footprint. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s a heap of evidence to demonstrate the health benefits of a flexitarian diet. In fact, conscious meat consumption is key to a totally balanced diet. Think about Mediterranean and Nordic diets, which combine fresh produce and healthy fats with fish and ethically sourced, high quality meat. These diets are considered the peak of healthy eating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ditching meat in favour of plant-based alternatives will do wonders for your health. A diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans and healthy fats will help reduce your cholesterol, which in turn will significantly reduce your chance of stroke or heart attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re concerned about your cholesterol levels, it\u2019s important to speak to your doctor or another medical professional. Remember, high cholesterol may not show symptoms. You\u2019ll need to take a \u2018total cholesterol test\u2019 to gain an insight into your levels of \u2018total cholesterol\u2019, which is usually performed as a fasting test and a small drop of blood taken from your fingertip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you or someone you know has high cholesterol, pop into your local Blooms The Chemist and chat to your pharmacist. They\u2019ll talk to you about taking a cholesterol test and ways to manage cholesterol levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your Blooms The Chemist pharmacist will explain your result and if your levels are high, they will give you advice on the changes you can make to reduce your cholesterol levels. These can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Presented in partnership with Blooms The Chemist.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s good for mother earth.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s good for you!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Check into your local Blooms The Chemist to get an indication of your cholesterol levels. <\/h4>\n\n\n\n