Paris, the culinary capital of the world, is embracing a plant-based revolution for the upcoming 2024 Olympics and Paralympics. In a bold move, the city has decided to make 60% of its menu vegetarian, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of the Games by half.
This unprecedented initiative is led by Philipp Würz, the mastermind behind the food and beverages at the 2024 Olympics. Würz believes that the Games provide a unique opportunity to showcase a sustainable and healthy alternative to traditional Olympic catering.
The vegetarian menu will feature a diverse range of cuisines, including French, Asian, African-Caribbean, and world cuisine. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole cereals will form the heart of the menu, with dishes like veggie bourguignon and veggie moussaka replacing their meat-based counterparts.
The nutritional values and environmental impact of each course will be displayed in the canteens, empowering attendees to make informed choices. To minimize waste, unconsumed food will be donated to food banks, while food scraps will be transformed into compost or biogas.
Despite concerns about meeting the nutritional needs of elite athletes, numerous studies have shown that plant-based diets can provide all the necessary nutrients for optimal performance. In fact, many Olympic athletes have experienced significant improvements in their health and performance after adopting a vegan or vegetarian diet.
The 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics will not only be a celebration of athleticism but also a testament to the power of plant-based nutrition. By embracing a vegetarian menu, Paris is setting a new standard for sustainable and healthy sporting events.
