If you're a regular Twitter user or blog reader, you've probably seen the term "Meatless Monday" kicked around. Meatless Monday and other movements like it aim to reduce the amount of saturated fat and animal consumption in our diets by giving up the fleshy stuff, even if only for one day each week. Doing so not only positively impacts your health, but it positively impacts the planet as well. Leaving meat off of your plate once per week is easy to do with a little planning.
Step 1
Start small by adapting one of your favorite meaty recipes to a vegetarian version. Serve bean and rice burritos instead of meat-filled ones. Try cheese ravioli instead of chicken or beef ravioli. Order a cheese and vegetable pizza.
Step 2
Replace real meat in your favorite dishes with its vegetarian substitute. Purchase vegetarian "beef crumbles," "bacon strips," "sausages" and even "chicken strips," and try them instead of the real thing.
Step 3
Plan your meals so they contain protein, healthy fats and fiber to help you get full and stay full. Add beans, nuts or tofu to salads. Incorporate whole grains and several servings of vegetables into each meal.
Step 4
Plan what you'll eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner on your meatless day. Purchase the food you need in advance, and perform the necessary chopping and other prep in advance.
Step 5
Research restaurants in the area that serve vegetarian or vegan options, and keep that info handy for days when you're too busy to cook.
Things You'll Need
- Legumes
- Meat substitutes
- Whole grains
- Fruits
- Vegetables
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