Following in the footsteps of Germany and Austria, Norway has become the latest country to update its national dietary guidelines, encouraging a shift towards plant-based eating.
Released by the Norwegian Directorate of Health (Helsedirektoratet) in August 2024, these new guidelines reflect the growing consensus that prioritizing plant-based foods is key to improving both personal health and environmental sustainability.
This update comes at a time when global dietary trends are increasingly embracing the benefits of eating more plants, positioning Norway alongside its European neighbors in this vital movement.
Emphasizing Plants in Every Meal
At the core of Norway’s new dietary recommendations is the clear message: eat mostly plants. The guidelines now encourage Norwegians to make fruits, vegetables, and whole grains the foundation of their meals.
The advice is to include plant-based foods in every meal, with particular focus on fruits and vegetables, which should be eaten liberally throughout the day. Meals rich in whole grains, such as oats, barley, and whole grain bread, are also highly recommended.
One of the key updates is the recommendation to limit red meat intake to no more than 350 grams per week. This marks a shift from previous guidelines, which allowed up to 500 grams. The updated guidelines also emphasize minimizing consumption of processed meats, reflecting the health risks associated with these foods.
More Beans, Less Meat
A notable change in the new guidelines is the inclusion of legumes like beans, lentils, and peas as central sources of protein. The guidelines encourage substituting meat with plant-based protein in meals. This shift towards legumes and other plant-based protein sources such as tofu aligns with global trends towards more sustainable and health-conscious eating.
While the guidelines still support moderate consumption of dairy products for calcium, they also recognize plant-based alternatives, offering flexibility for those who avoid dairy. The preference for unsaturated fats is another important update, recommending the use of vegetable oils and soft margarines over butter and tropical oils.
The Health and Environmental Context
These dietary recommendations are not just about individual health but also consider broader environmental impacts. Norway’s updated guidelines are in line with the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations, which emphasize sustainability alongside nutrition.
By encouraging a predominantly plant-based diet, the guidelines address the dual crises of public health and environmental degradation. Plant-based diets have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes, while also lessening the environmental footprint of food production.
Why Eating More Plants Matters
The benefits of eating more plant-based foods are clear. For individuals, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes provides essential nutrients, supports weight management, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
For the planet, shifting towards plant-based eating helps lower greenhouse gas emissions, decrease land use, and conserve water—making it a crucial step in combating climate change.
Norway’s updated dietary guidelines are a timely reminder that what we put on our plates matters—for our health and the future of the planet. By encouraging more plant-based foods and less red and processed meat, Norway is taking a vital step towards a healthier and more sustainable future.
Read more: Why Austria Is Urging Everyone to Rethink Meat in Their Diets
