Food & Drink

8 Hearty Vegetarian Recipes for Meatless Monday

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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

Will you give Meatless Monday a try? What will you cook up first?