Planetary Health Diet 2.0 pushes for less meat and more whole foods

A major new report has updated its dietary guidelines to focus on both human and environmental health. The so-called planetary health diet was the most talked-about part of the study. Scientists and nutrition experts have largely responded positively to the recommendations.

The updated Planetary Health Diet 2.0 keeps its core advice: a diet based mostly on plants, with small amounts of animal products. The original 2019 EAT-Lancet report set strict daily limits—beef, lamb, and pork at 0-30g, poultry at 0-60g, fish at 0-100g, and dairy at up to 500g. Now, the new version pushes for even less red meat while still allowing flexibility in other animal-sourced foods.

The report also stresses cutting back on added sugars, saturated fats, and salt. But it recognises that not everyone can easily follow these guidelines. Social and economic inequalities often make healthy eating harder for many people.

In the past, farming and food industry groups have opposed similar suggestions. They argue that such changes could disrupt traditional food production and markets.

The revised diet plan aims to balance nutrition with sustainability. It encourages more plant foods while keeping animal products to a minimum. However, the study highlights that real-world challenges—like cost and availability—could limit how widely these recommendations are adopted.