4 Reasons to Try Meatless Monday

Are you trying to include “Meatless Monday” in your regular dietary routine? If so, you’re not alone. The Meatless Monday movement is currently active in 36 countries around the globe! Regardless of where you live or what language you speak, the Meatless Monday message is simple and direct:

For one day each week, eliminate meat from your diet.

Looking for a few good reasons to give Meatless Monday a try? Take a look at these!

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While the initiative has recently experienced a high level of popularity and promotion, it was started almost 15 years ago through a collaboration between The Monday Campaigns non-profit group and the Center for a Livable Future (CLF) at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The two groups offer information, news and recipes to help individuals, businesses and communities begin each week with environmentally-friendly, healthy plant-based meals. Looking for a few good reasons to give Meatless Monday a try? Take a look at these!

Reasons to try Meatless Monday:

Reason #1 – Try Meatless Monday For Better Health!

• Reducing the amount of meat you consume also reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke. Increasing the daily servings of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables you consume will protect your body against cardiovascular disease.

• Reduce your risk of developing cancer. There is a trusted body of evidence indicating that consumption of red meat and processed meat increases the risk of colorectal cancer.

• Guard against diabetes. Increasing the amount of plant-based meals in your diet can prevent obesity and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

• Lower body weight. Numerous research studies around the world show that plant-based diets result in lower body weight and body mass index (BMI).

• Boost your nutrition. Plant-based proteins like beans and peas offer a higher amount of fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, protein and zinc than their meat-based counterparts.

Reason #2 – Try Meatless Monday To Save Money!

• Cut your health-care spending. Americans spent over $2 trillion last year seeking treatment for diabetes, cancer, heart disease and strokes. When you cut your risk of developing these chronic conditions, overall healthcare spending will also be reduced.

• Keep more money in your wallet. When you shop smart (such as buying rice, lentils, beans, and nuts from the bulk foods section of your grocery store) you’ll save money on your weekly grocery bill.

Reason #3 – Try Meatless Monday To Help the Environment!

• Reduce water usage. Many areas of the United States and the world are experiencing severe water shortages. Did you know that growing a pound of vegetables requires only 39 gallons of water compared to 1,850 gallons needed for a pound of beef?

• Cut down greenhouse gasses. The production of meat generates carbon dioxide, Methane and Nitrous Oxide – three major sources of greenhouse gas. While transporting vegetables from great distances does result in some generation of greenhouse gasses, you can reduce that even more when you commit to buying locally or regionally grown vegetables that require far less “traveling” to go from farm to table!

Reason #4 – Try Meatless Monday Because It’s A Great Day To Make Lifestyle Changes!

• Did you know that people who start a healthy behavior on Monday have a greater chance of maintaining healthier habits throughout the week?

• If you happen to “cheat” on your healthy habits over a weekend filled with cookouts, parties, or special events, Monday is typically perceived as a “reset” day to get back on track.

• If Monday isn’t a good day for you to make dietary changes, pick another day that fits your schedule! The most important part in making diet and lifestyle changes is to take small steps – that way, you will have a better chance of sustaining them over time.

We Want YOU To Try Meatless Monday

If you’re ready to give Meatless Monday a try, visit their website for inspiration, information, and delicious recipes and menu plans that you’re sure to enjoy. 

In addition to the Meatless Monday website, you can also find lots of plant-based recipes and cooking tips here on the Tommy’s Superfoods website. Be sure to comment and share your favorite recipes with us!