Meatless Monday is a nonprofit initiative developed by the Monday Campaigns with a simple message: By cutting out meat once per week, you can improve your health and our environment.
On Average, Americans consume 8 ounces of meat per day, which is a whopping 45% higher than the USDA recommendation. Eating meatless (even for just one day a week) is a great way to trim the saturate fat from your meals and eat more nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, beans and grains.
If you're interest in joining the movement but don't know where to start, heres some information to help you get started.
MONDAY = FRESH START
Research shows that Monday is the perfect day to make small, positive changes. It is the first day of the workweek and often represents a fresh start for many. People are also more likely to start diets, exercise regiments, quit smoking and schedule doctor's appointments on Monday than any other day.
IT'S EASIER THAN YOU THINK
Today, vegetarian cooking is more popular than ever and with just a click of a button (hello, Pinterest) you can find delicious, meat-free alternatives to your favourite recipes even the pickiest carnivores will love.
Eggplant parmesan anyone?
IT'S GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH AND YOUR WALLET
Reducing your meat consumption once a week has been shown to reduce your risk of getting chronic preventable conditions such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Going meatless is also a great way to keep money in your pocket. Vegetarian diets tend to be cheaper - especially if it includes protein-rich beans and legumes. These items can easily be bought at discount prices and in bulk without having to worry about expiration dates.
A FAMILY THAT COOKS TOGETHER, EATS TOGETHER
Sometimes getting your whole family to embrace Meatless Monday is no easy task - especially when it comes to your kids. However, studies show that kids are more likely to eat more vegetables and try new foods if they have a hand in cooking.
The Kids Cook Monday is a great resource for family-friendly recipes and videos that will help you get your family cooking and eating together.
MEATLESS RECIPES TO TRY RIGHT NOW
Get started tonight with one of our top picks for Meatless Monday dinner. These recipes are so good, your family won't even miss the meat.
If chicken parm is a family favourite this baked eggplant parmesan is a must try. This version is lighter but still has all the same delicious and comforting flavours of the original.
Get the recipe here from Gimme Some Oven.
HEALTHY MEXICAN CASSEROLE WITH ROASTED CORN AND PEPPERS
[Photograph: Pinch of Yum]
Loaded with veggies and beans, this ooey-goey Mexican casserole is ridiculously delicious and has only a mere 250 calories per serving.
Get the recipe here from Pinch of Yum.
CHICKPEA, AVOCADO AND CUCUMBER SALAD
[Photograph: The Kids Cook Monday]
This salad recipe by The Kids Cook Monday is a great way to get your kids to join in on the fun. Plus, it details where exactly your kids can help out, along with tips and tricks to get your family excited for healthy dinners.
Get the recipe here from The Kids Cook Monday.
GREEK PIZZA RECIPE
[Photograph: Cookie and Kate]
The best part of this veggie-heavy homemade pizza is that you can make it with mostly pantry ingredients. You'll have to do a little bit of prep work but it's totally worth it!
Get the recipe here from Cookie and Kate.
Do you have a favourite Meatless Monday recipe? Share it with us in the comment section below!
For more vegetarian recipes check out AMCO out on Pinterest here.