Documentary Review: The Game Changers (2018)

 The Game Changers: How Plant-Based Eating Benefits Both Your Health and the Planet

If you haven't watched "The Game Changers" yet, this Netflix documentary might just change how you think about food, performance, and environmental impact. Following elite athletes who've adopted plant-based diets, the film makes a compelling case that what's good for our bodies is also good for our planet.

The documentary follows fighters, weightlifters, and endurance athletes who've discovered that plant-based nutrition doesn't just maintain their performance – it often enhances it. From faster recovery times to improved cardiovascular health, these athletes are proving that you don't need animal products to be strong and competitive. But here's what makes this particularly relevant for eco-conscious viewers: the same dietary choices that are optimising these athletes' health are also dramatically reducing their environmental footprint.

Animal agriculture is responsible for about 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation. When we choose plant-based meals, we're cutting our carbon footprint significantly. A single plant-based meal can save the equivalent of driving 30 miles worth of carbon emissions compared to a meal centred around beef. The documentary touches on this connection, showing how our food choices ripple outward to affect water usage, land use, and overall planetary health. It's not just about personal wellness – it's about collective environmental stewardship.

You don't need to become a professional athlete or go completely plant-based overnight to benefit from this approach. The film suggests that even incorporating more plant-based meals into your week can improve your energy levels, support better heart health, and reduce inflammation. From a climate perspective, every plant-forward meal counts. Whether it's Meatless Monday or simply adding more vegetables to your existing meals, these choices add up to meaningful environmental impact when adopted by communities.

"The Game Changers" presents an encouraging message: taking care of our health and taking care of our planet aren't separate goals. They're interconnected choices that can enhance both our personal wellbeing and our environmental legacy. The next time you're planning meals, consider that you're not just fuelling your body – you're casting a vote for the kind of world you want to live in.