Refraining from eating meat one day per week is not a new concept—President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation during World War I urging Americans not to eat meat on Tuesdays in order to help the war efforts and avoid rationing. While that movement stopped after the war ended, it’s become a food trend as of late. With vegetarianism and veganism becoming increasingly popular diet choices, Meatless Monday is taking the world by storm.
Meatless Monday was founded in 2003 by marketing professional Sid Lerner in association with the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The movement is now active in 36 countries. Why the big push to eat less meat? There are numerous health, financial, and environmental benefits to lessening the amount of meat you consume. By replacing meat with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains you can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and even cancer. Your bank account will benefit too as produce, beans, and grains are less expensive than meat. The impact on the environment is another huge benefit. Eating less meat minimizes water usage, reduces greenhouse gases, and lessens fuel dependence.
The idea is to not necessarily switch your entire diet, just to try and eat plant based meals on Monday. To get you started, we found some really delicious meals that will have you eagerly awaiting Monday. Let us know how it goes!
Brussel Sprout and Mushroom Hash
Source: Closet Cooking
Ratatouille
Source: A Clean Bake
One Pot Spicy Thai Noodles
Source: Domestic Superhero
Roasted Chickpea Gyros
Source: Live Eat Learn
Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
Source: Damn Delicous
Roasted Teriyaki Mushrooms and Broccolini Soba Noodles
Source: Sobremesa
Loaded Guacamole Vegetarian Tacos
Source: Soup Addict
Springtime Vegetarian Minestrone Soup
Source: Whole and Heavenly Oven
