Introducing Meatless Monday

Some may say, "wait I thought everyday was 'meatless' for you?" Well, yes, that would be true, but this blog is about offering inspiration for others, to try new things, eat more veggies, and get back in the kitchen and out of the drive-thru. For many starting with a commitment to "Meatless Monday" is a great place to start!

I think one of the hardest things for us (Americans) is to recreate the image of a plate. If someone asks what you are having for dinner what is your response? For most it usually revolves around the meat and the vegetables are more of an afterthought. "I've made a roast with potatoes and carrots." or "We're having chicken with (insert side)." This is normal and not something to be ashamed of, but it is something to think about.  

Ask yourself, "what is important in my meal?" Hopefully everything! When I look down at the dish in front of me I like to know that each bite is fueling me with lots of vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidants. If the food starring me in the face is vibrant, colorful, and primarily produce I know that it's packing a punch when it comes to nutrition.

People make changes to their diet for many reasons. The thing that is great about going meatless one day a week is no matter what makes you give it a try, there are tons of side-effects, aka benefits.

Health Benefits
The more fruits and veggies in your diet the better your are preparing yourself to fight off many types of chronic disease. People who eat an exclusive or dominant plant-based diet have much lower incidence of cancer and heart disease; two of the leading killers of Americans. It also has a powerful effect on helping, sometimes to the point of reversing, arthritis, lupus, acid reflux, gout, IBS, and many other ailments. It lowers cholesterol, blood pressure and encourages healthy weight time and time again.

Fun Fact: Phyto=plants 

The immensely important phytochemicals are only found in plant-based foods.

Financial Benefits
Meat-centered meals cost more than plant-based meals. Next to the cost of my rent my food budget is the most important thing I spend money on each month. I am able to shop extremely affordable because I eat a plant-based diet. That leaves a little extra spending money when that special something catches my eye.

Environmental Benefits
It requires 1,800 to 2,500 gallons of water to produce a single pound of beef; compared to a mere 220 gallons to produce a pound of soy tofu. In addition, for every one calorie of beef produced it requires about 40 calories of fossil fuel energy; compared with 2.2 calories of fossil fuel per 1 calorie of plant-based protein. The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization estimates the meat industry generates more greenhouse gas emissions than transportation emissions.






*Some facts pulled from: http://www.defeatdiabetes.org/meatless-mondays/ 

The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization estimates the meat industry generates nearly one-fifth of the man-made greenhouse gas emissions, more than transportation emissions. - See more at: http://www.defeatdiabetes.org/meatless-mondays/#sthash.Dj8VrLNL.dpuf