Happy Monday…Happy Meatless Monday! I’m a Meatless Monday blogger and I wanted to make sure that all of you know about the importance of this day of the week whether you eat meat or not. This Monday and every Monday, I want to show you how to Meatless Monday.
Why meatless once a week? The Meatless Monday campaign has a whole page on the reasons including health, the lower cost of veggie foods vs meat, and supporting environmental causes. Studies have shown that vegetarian or vegan meals can be higher in some nutrients and fiber than meat-based meals and can contain the protein content and satisfying healthy fat sources required to keep you feeling full and energetic.
Here are some tips on going meatless one day per week OR getting more creative with your many meatless meals that you’re already incorporating. And if you don’t like cooking in and want to eat out…not a problem! Check out this Meatless Monday site, Happy Cow, or just Yelp “vegetarian” to find something meatless in your neighborhood.
Tips on how to Meatless Monday! Make your Monday healthier with these dietitian tips
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If having a meatless meal is new to you, try making a classic dish you are familiar with and remove the meat. A couple of my favorite options include meatless pasta, meatless lasagna, veggie tacos or enchilada casserole.
If you’re used to eating meatless, take it up a notch to get ever more creative. Try tempeh, vegan protein bowls, or get creative with new veggies (cauliflower steaks anyone?)
For any successful vegetarian meal, make sure to include the following:
- Protein! “I’ll just have a salad” isn’t enough. Vegetarians can also have savory and hearty dishes by choosing tofu, tempeh, beans, or lentils as a base.
- Veggies: Some vegetarians miss the mark by not including enough vegetables into their diet. Mix it up by adding different types of greens to that plate like beet greens or Collards. Add vegetables to breakfast like tomato/salsa, avocado, spinach or broccoli. Love veggies already? Experiment with varieties you’re more unfamiliar with like kohlrabi, garlic scapes, broccli sprouts, sunchokes, or dandelion greens.
- Spice and seasoning: without salt, spices, and seasoning veggies can taste bland. So does meat. Put your efforts into flavoring vegetarian food like you would any other food! Get creative with herbs and spices, taking advantage of enhancing the natural flavors of whole foods.
What are some of your Meatless Monday tips? Have a great week!
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