Abstract
The concept of sustainable nutrition considers different fields: from human health to environmental, economic and socio-cultural aspects. Currently, in Europe, the diets that reflect the assumptions of the sustainable diet are the Mediterranean Diet and the New Nordic Diet. They both encourage the consumption of vegetable, organic and minimally processed foods, as well as regional, seasonal and Fair-Trade products, reducing the ecological impact of the production chain. These eating habits could be established starting from the prenatal period and from infancy during the complementary feeding stage, aiding children to accept of a more variable diet in terms of flavor, taste and texture. In particular, the positive parental role model is an effective method for improving a child’s diet and behaviors. Two healthy plates representing a sustainable diet in early infancy, at 6 and 24 months, are here proposed, in line with the “Planetary Health Diet” approved by the EAT-Lancet Commission. Our work aims to highlight how a sustainable diet is possible since infancy, since the introduction of solid foods.
Highlights
Sustainable NutritionThe concept of sustainable nutrition has evolved over the years and is based on a holistic approach that considers different fields: from human health to environmental, economic and socio-cultural aspects (Figure 1)
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The complementary feeding period is recognized to be a critical window for the promotion of optimal growth and of a healthy behavioral development
Summary
The concept of sustainable nutrition has evolved over the years and is based on a holistic approach that considers different fields: from human health to environmental, economic and socio-cultural aspects (Figure 1). Globalization and the growing population size led to a transition toward an u lifestyle, accompanied by a nutritional transition In this context, the greater food dem Nutrients 2021, 13, 2695 products and a lower to mild eating of meat, eggs, fermented beverages (mostly red wine) and sweets [6]. In 2010, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized the MD as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity both for its important health and nutritional outcomes and for its environmental impact [14] Within this definition, the MD becomes a model of sustainable diet. Traditional, fresh and minimally processed foods are preferred and recommended to be consumed daily In this way, health is preserved because products maintain a greater quantity of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients contributing to the general well-being. The aim was to highlight the role of MD for its benefits for a single individual, and for the whole planet and the future generations [16]
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