18 FA SH IO N & L I F EST Y L E
The diet that could save the future of planet earth By Molly Fitzpatrick
SIN Vol. 20 Issue 11
Back to basics for spring By Áine Kenny There’s a grand stretch in the evenings nowadays, and the bitter wind and rain has subsided just enough to cut down to three hot water bottles in bed, instead of four. With a new season comes a new wardrobe, or for most students, going back home and lugging some lighter clothes up to Galway. Spring is a great time to take out and wear some of the staple pieces that were buried at the back of the wardrobe in September! For me, three basics that I cannot live without are the denim jacket, skater skirt and crop top.
It’s no secret what we put DENIM JACKET into our bodies on a daily basis affects our own The denim jacket is a much lighter form of outerwear, health status but somebecause let’s face it, we are all being boiled alive in our thing we may not often borg jackets and puffy coats which were the biggest consider how it affects trend of the winter season. It still can be a bit chilly outthe health of our planet. side, so layer you denim number with a scarf, a cardigan Farming, particularly and a top underneath, and ditch livestock farming, plays the layers as you see fit. The a major role in climate plus side of the denim change, the destruction jacket is that a rain of habitats, and the pollucoat can usually fit tion of rivers and oceans. over them, meaning With a staggering ten April showers won’t billion people expected be able to ruin your to inhabit planet earth by look! For a denim 2050, the current diet we jacket that won’t have is extremely unsusbreak the bank, tainable and is thought to try this light blue cause severe global warmone from H&M, Photo: Jami430 via Wikimedia Commons ing as well as increased retailing at €25. global health problems. When it comes to the biggest polluters, what usually comes to mind is cars, right? What may come as a surprise is that animal agriculture is actually responsible for 18 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions produced worldwide (according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). This is By Áine Kenny not only more than all the cars, but is more than the combined exhaust from all transportation. Is there anything better than brunch? You don’t want to wake up It’s becoming clear that one of the biggest steps at the scrake of dawn to go get pancakes with your friends because one can take towards being more environmentally you stayed up all night working on that assignment and you deserve friendly is eating less meat. The planetary diet is the a lie in! first science-based diet that aims to tackle both the Brunch is the only meal where you can get a full Irish fry, or its global issue of poor diet and to prevent the looming polar opposite, avocado on toast. But where are the best brunch global catastrophe that environmental degradation spots in Galway that are friendly towards a student’s meagre budget? is predicted to cause. Fear not, SIN has the definitive list! The planetary health diet was devised by an internaMCGINN’S: this is a pub in Woodquay that I used to walk past tional commission and aims to provide nutritious food without paying much attention to, that is until I realised they to the world’s ever-growing population. The most radserved all day breakfast. You can get a full Irish fry for €9.50, that ical aspects of the diet are that red meat consumption is two rashers, sausages, eggs, and sugar consumption needs to be cut by over half. For hash browns, puddings, beans, Europeans, it’s suggested we eat 77 percent less red toast as well as chips (absolute meat, a feat that may prove difficult to the carnivores notions!). This will keep you of the Irish population. Consumption of vegetables, going for the entire day. They fruit, nuts and pulses is required to double. also provide copious amounts of The planetary diet is somewhat similar to that of free squash in true Irish fashion. a flexitarian. It is plant-based and allows the recomOn top of this amazing breakmended 2500 calories a day. It also allows a single fast, they have a great sandwich serving of red meat a week and two servings of fish, menu if you are having a late with the majority of protein intake coming from pulses, brunch, as well as wood-fired beans and nuts. The diet also limits dairy with a glass of pizza. No meal is over €11 either milk, a serving of cheese or butter a day fitting within so it is definitely easy on the the guidelines. An egg or two a week has also got the purse. It’s a Celtic bar too, so any all clear from the experts. football fans out there will also Although reducing meat and dairy may seem imposenjoy the matches they show. sible to us Irish, who were reared on meat and two veg 56 CENTRAL: while it may and cheese sambos, the diet is in line with traditional be on the slightly pricier side, diets such as the Mediterranean and Okinawa diets. It’s no one can deny the beautiful varied and colourful, and doesn’t require deprivation ambience of this quaint café of any form, and if it could save the planet why not right in the heart of Shop Street. give it a go! One of their signatures is their
SKATER SKIRT Another sartorial staple is the skater skirt. I would opt for a plain block colour, as this skirt can then be paired with brighter patterns or a statement fluffy jacket. The beauty of the skater skirt is that it can be worn to college casually with a pair of Vans, and then switched to a night-time ensemble by adding a crop top and a pair of heels. This Boohoo.com pleated pink version will give shape and structure to your outfit, and the best part is its price: €7.70!
CROP TOP This is another spring trend that I am glad to see the return of. This versatile piece can be dressed down with a pair of high waisted jeans and Docs, for an edgy yet casual look. Alternatively, pair it with a flowing, patterned A-line skirt for a chic night time get-up, perfect for a night out! Since it is still a bit chilly outside, I’d recommend a long-sleeved version for now, such as this one from Pretty Little Thing. What is great about this piece, which is €15, is that the back is longer than the cropped front, meaning you won’t have a draft on your back. Your mother will thank me!
Best brunch spots in Galway
healthy corner menu, which has
super food salad bowls, so if you’re a health conscious bruncher this is the place for you! They also serve beautiful Belgian waffles and brioche French toast if you have a sweet tooth. My personal favourite is their Breakfast Bruschetta, which is two slices of Griffins bread (so you know it’s quality) with smashed avocado, tomato salsa and scrambled eggs. It’s €9 but we all deserve a treat from time to time, don’t we? MCCAMBRIDGE’S: for those of you who want a truly authentic brunch experience, head to McCambridge’s of Galway who serve all day brunch on Sundays in their upstairs restaurant. McCambridge’s is known for the quality of their food, and it is all sourced locally, so you’re contributing to Galway’s local economy while reducing your carbon footprint by eating here. For a really highbrow meal, try the West Coast Crab Benedict, which is fresh torn crabmeat topped with two poached eggs and hollandaise sauce on a savory donut. Another perk is that Mimosas retail here for just shy of a €5. MR WAFFLE: how could we neglect a brunch spot that is right on our campus’ doorstep? For brunch, try a savoury crepe, and I don’t care what anyone thinks, savoury crepes and pancakes are delicious and you’re missing out. They also have a range of healthy salads for those who aren’t so keen on the fluffy pancakes. Why not take a study break with your friends here, in order to refuel and recharge for that long slog in the reading room?