You probably know that a plant-based diet offers many benefits for your health, but it can be hard to give up hamburgers and bacon. In fact, an estimated 5 out of 6 vegetarians eventually go back to eating meat. However, there’s also evidence that making the transition gradually increases the chances of sticking with a meatless diet.
Picking one day a week to eat vegetarian is an excellent place to start, and that is the thinking behind the global movement for Meatless Mondays. The campaign has a more extended history than you might think. During World War I, Meatless Mondays were advertised as a way to support the troops. In 2003, the idea was revived by public health experts to encourage positive changes in the way we eat.
Begin each week with a meat-free day, or design a schedule that works for your family. Since plant-based lifestyles have made it into the mainstream, the number of cooking shows and cookbooks offers those who want to reduce their meat consumption with healthy and tasty meal choices. Plant-based meat substitutes have come a long way since the ’40s, with many major restaurant chains offering meatless menu items to their guest. As you plan your new menus, look at these ideas.
Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet:
Reduce your health risks. Eating more fruits and vegetables can reduce your risk of diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes. Lifestyle choices, like your diet, play a significant role in your wellbeing. Lose weight. Being a vegetarian will not make you thin if you are living on pizza and potato chips. I can attest to this fact, after giving up meat in January 2009 as part of our church’s Daniel Fast initiative, my ill planning left me over-weight and prediabetic. I have since learned how to meal prep each week. Vegetarians tend to weigh less, have lower body fat, and live longer than meat-eaters.
Consume more fiber. Increased fiber is one reason why most vegetarians slim down. Fiber also reduces blood pressure and inflammation. Spend less on food. You may even wind up with more money in the bank. Lentils and tofu cost less than most meat products.
Practicing Meatless Mondays at Home:
Learn new recipes. Make vegetarian cooking fun by experimenting with new dishes. See how many ways you can prepare chili or serve something elegant like a savory vegetable tart. Search YouTube, and you will find a plethora of meatless cooking showing. For tips and great recipes, check out this list of the top 20 vegan YouTube channels. Enjoy your favorites meals without the meat. Use spinach in your lasagna and chickpeas for fajitas. Stock your kitchen. Simplify mealtime by shopping in advance for vegetarian staples. Look for beans, nuts, and nutritional yeast. Do your research visit your local library or bookstore to find books about vegetarian and vegan lifestyles.
Practicing Meatless Mondays away from Home:
Visit ethnic restaurants. You will find many delicious vegetarian options at Indian and Middle Eastern restaurants. Keep a list handy for when it is your turn to choose where to go. Call ahead. If you think the menu may be limited, contact a restaurant ahead of time. Even a steak house may be able to put together an entrée you will love.
Order side dishes. Remember that you can create a balanced meal without ordering a main course. Dine on hummus, roasted vegetables, and bread. You can also eat beforehand. What if you know you will be stuck somewhere where the only meat-free items are the hamburger buns? Fill up before you leave home so you can have fun with your friends without being distracted by hunger pangs. Leave feedback. Expand meatless choices for yourself and other diners. Let restaurants know about your experience and how much you would appreciate seeing more meatless options on the menu.
Meatless Mondays could be the start of a whole new way of eating for you and your family. Maybe you will decide to become vegetarian for life or just cut back on your consumption of processed meat. Either way, moving towards a plant-based diet could enhance your health, slash your grocery bills, and reduce your carbon footprint.
Let me know how your meatless Monday experiment is working in the comments.
With Peace and Love
Coach Renee
PS Want to learn how to balance your blood sugar and lose weight naturally? Download my free checklist 7 Ways to Beat Your Sugar Cravings and Balance your Blood Sugar.
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