5 Reasons To Go Meatless Monday

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Hey folks! As some of you may know, I’m a huge fan and promoter of Meatless Monday. Seeing as I’m a vegetarian, I don’t eat meat on any day that ends in “y”, but that doesn’t mean you have to be a vegetarian to participate in the Meatless Monday movement. Today around 18% of Americans participate in the movement, and I encourage you to give it a try.

5 Reasons To Go Meatless Monday:

1. Saves you money.

A pound of grains, legumes, and veggies feeds a lot more mouths than a pound of meat. And who doesn’t want a little more money in their pockets? Think of all the cash you could save that could go towards something fun like a family vacation.

2. A chance to detox from the weekend.

People tend to eat out more on the weekends and drink more alcohol. Eating clean on Monday will give your body a chance to cleanse, which will jump start your week in the right direction.

3. Good for your health.

Studies have shown that a diet high in red and processed meats contributes to a variety of health problems such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and cancer. Just this year, the World Health Organization listed processed meats as a carcinogen. Studies have also shown that those who eat a plant-based diet live 7-10 years longer on average than meat eaters. Think of all you could do with those extra years! Visit Mongolia, learn how to play the piano, or binge watch "Game of Thrones" - whatever floats your boat!

Plant-based foods have zero cholesterol and are high in fiber. This means that eating more of this type of food will lower your bad cholesterol, reduce inflammation, help keep your digestion system happy, and keep your heart healthy. Added vanity bonus- you will most likely see a reduction in your waistline!

4. Better for our planet.

The biggest threat to human beings right now is global warming. And if you don’t believe in global warming, well…I don’t have a reply prepared as I didn’t think there were still people around who don't believe in global warming. Besides your Great Aunt Betty who spends all day knitting and talking about the communists.

But all politics aside, did you know that the mass production of animals for food is among the top contributors to greenhouse gases?

It's imperative that we all do what we can to lower global emissions. We are taught in school to reduce, reuse and recycle, which are all great methods. It's also crucial, however, to eat less meat.

Did you know that it takes 1,850 gallons of water to produce 1 pound of meat and it only takes 39 gallons of water to produce 1 pound of vegetables? Stew on that one….

A few more stats for you from the Environmental Working Group:

-If your four-person family skips meat and cheese one day a week, it’s like taking your car off the road for five weeks – or reducing everyone’s daily shower by 3 minutes.

-If your four-person family skips steak once a week, it’s like taking your car off the road for nearly three months.

-If everyone in the U.S. ate no meat or cheese just one day a week, it would be like not driving 91 billion miles – or taking 7.6 million cars off the road. 

5. It’s the compassionate thing to do.

Think of all these guys that you are saving by going meatless once a week! (Sorry I couldn't resist!)

So come on! You can go a day without meat! It won’t kill you. Actually, it might just do the opposite…For some great Meatless Monday meal ideas, check out my Facebook page for weekly recipes. You can also check out the official Meatless Monday site for some great meal ideas as well.

Happy Plant-Based Eating,

Health Coach Jenna

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