Plant-Based Canada Podcast
Welcome to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast. Join us as we talk with experts to explore the field of nutritional sciences and how our food choices impact our health and the environment. We sit down with Canadian doctors, dieticians, athletes, climate experts and others/more, to break down the evidence behind a Whole Food Plant-Based diet, and discuss the practical steps you can take in your efforts to shift toward a healthier lifestyle. The Plant-Based Canada Podcast is an initiative of the group Plant-Based Canada, which aims to educate the public and health professionals on the evidence-based benefits of plant-based whole food nutrition for individual and planetary health. To learn more about the show, visit our website www.plantbasedcanada.org and stay up to date by following us on Instagram and Facebook @plantbasedcanadaorg, and our Plant-based Canada YouTube channel. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. PBC is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or opinions related to the content stated by the guests interviewed. All information in this podcast is provided "as is", with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the conclusions obtained from the use of this information. The podcast should not be considered professional advice. Listeners should seek their own individual healthcare advice as needed.
Plant-Based Canada Podcast
Episode 100: EAT-Lancet 2.0: Rethinking Global Food Systems for a Sustainable Future with Dr. Amar Laila
Welcome to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re joined by Dr. Amar Lalia to discuss the upcoming EAT-Lancet Commission 2.0 report on the planetary health diet. We’ll explore key topics including food systems, justice, and environmental impacts, all set to be unveiled in Fall 2025.
Dr. Laila is a postdoctoral fellow at the Stockholm Resilience Centre, Sweden, and the University of Guelph, Canada. Amar completed his PhD at the University of Guelph, where he explored the connection between food literacy and food waste among Canadian families with young children, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods. Amar is passionate about food systems justice and his goal is to contribute to just and sustainable food system transformation through improvements in food environments so that they are healthy and sustainable for everyone.
Resources:
A comment paper in the Lancet referring to the EL2 commission's focus on justice
High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition reports
FAO's State of food security and nutrition
Food System Economics Commission (to provide exact numbers referred to in the episode discussion):
The Food System Economics Commission estimates the hidden costs of global food systems at approximately $15 trillion USD per year. However, the net benefits of transforming the food system are valued between $5 to $10 trillion USD annually, which is equivalent to 4-8% of global GDP (2020).
In contrast, the cost of transforming the global food system is only 0.2-0.4% of global GDP, making it clearly affordable compared to the substantial global benefits—roughly $20-40 trillion USD.
For full details, check out the Executive Summary.
Dr. Amar Laila’s Socials:
ResearchGate
Plant-Based Canada’s Socials:
Instagram (@plantbasedcanadaorg)
Website (https://www.plantbasedcanada.org/)
X / Twitter @PBC_org
Bonus Promotion
Check out University of Guelph's online Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate. Each 4-week course will guide you through essential plant-based topics including nutritional benefits, disease prevention, and environmental impacts. You can also customize your learning with unique courses such as Plant-Based Diets for Athletes and Implementing a Plant-Based Diet at Home. As the first university-level plant-based certificate in Canada, you’ll explore current research, learn from leading industry experts, and join a community of like-minded people. Use our exclusive discount code PBC2025 to save 10% on all Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate courses. uoguel.ph/pbn.
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This episode was hosted by Stephanie Nishi RD, PhD.