Low carbon diet is originally a way to reduce weight by restricting carbohydrate consumption. It carries a new meaning nowadays -- it refers to a lifestyle to minimise the greenhouse gas released from food production and consumption. Kathleen YAU, a dietitian, quotes the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations as saying that the livestock sector is responsible for 18% of the greenhouse gas emissions. Farm animals, in addition, release large amounts of methane and nitrous oxide which are far more detrimental to the environment than carbon dioxide. Livestock also consume a lot of resources. Kathleen adds that it takes 7 kg of cereals to produce 1 kg of meat, and 1 tonne of water is needed to produce 1 kg of grains to feed the livestock.

What is low carbon diet?

• Eat Less Meat
  
  On average, a healthy adult only needs 5 to 6 taels of meat. Eating less meat and plenty of vegetables are good to our body and the environment.
  
  
• Eat Seasonally
  
  Seasonal produces are allowed to ripen naturally. They do not have to be refrigerated or packaged, thus the resources used for processing are greatly reduced.
  
  
• Eat Locally
  
  Nutrients in food are easily lost during the processing and transportation. Local produced food, on the other hand, is likely to be fresher and to taste better.
  
  
• Keep Cooking Simple
  
  Simple Cooking Method such as preparing a chilled dish, boiling, steaming and stir-frying with less oil are more energy-saving than deep-frying and stewing. These healthier Cooking Methods can also reduce the use of oil content in the dish.
  
  
• Eat Just Enough
  
  Chinese people use to finish up the left-over food, yet eating too much can lead obesity and related health problem. It is recommended to control portion by ordering just enough or share your dish with friends.