The Netherlands' ambitious goal of sourcing half of dietary protein from plants appears achievable without compromising nutritional health, according to comprehensive modeling of Dutch eating patterns. This finding matters because it provides the first rigorous roadmap for a major European nation to reduce food-related environmental impacts while maintaining adequate nutrition across all demographics. Using dietary data from over 1,100 Dutch adults, researchers tested four plant-based replacement scenarios against current consumption patterns. The modeling revealed that reducing meat consumption by 50 percent—rather than eliminating it entirely—achieved the national plant protein target while preserving intake adequacy for nearly all essential nutrients. This moderate approach reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 11.3 percent and land use by 7.6 percent, with only minimal increases in vitamin B6 inadequacy among women. More aggressive scenarios backfired nutritionally. Complete meat elimination increased risks of B12 and B6 deficiencies while reducing total protein intake, suggesting that wholesale dietary overhauls may be counterproductive. Interestingly, all plant-based transitions increased water footprint by 3.6 to 60.2 percent, challenging assumptions that plant foods universally reduce environmental impact. This research provides crucial evidence for policymakers navigating the tension between environmental sustainability and public health nutrition. The 50-50 plant-animal protein split emerges as a pragmatic sweet spot that European nations could adopt without risking widespread nutrient deficiencies. However, the increased water usage highlights the complexity of environmental trade-offs in food system transitions, suggesting that sustainability metrics beyond carbon emissions deserve equal policy attention.