The Meatless Monday movement is growing worldwide to help you and the planet! Discover the many benefits of eating less meat and how you can participate.
Have you heard of the Meatless Monday movement?
It was developed to encourage people to have one day per week without meat.
It is not about becoming a vegetarian — although it can be a baby step toward vegetarianism. It’s simply about having all the meals for one day each week without meat.
How did Meatless Monday begin?
During World War I, American families were urged by the government to reduce consumption of key staples due to a “Food will win the war” mentality.
“Meatless Monday” and “Wheatless Wednesday” became weekly trends. More than 13 million families signed a pledge to observe the national meatless and wheatless conservation days.
What is Meatless Monday Now?
Meatless Monday was revived in 2003 to help prevent illnesses associated with excessive meat consumption. Americans eat almost 50 percent more than the recommended daily amount. Meatless Monday’s message is: “one day a week, cut out meat” to help people to do something good for themselves and for the planet.
Why Monday?
- It’s the day people look to start new positive changes.
- It’s the day (Monday blues) that we NEED help with our help.
- It’s fun! (Meatless Monday has a better ring than Meatless Saturday)
Read more info on the many Monday Health Trends which is very interesting.
Do We Really Eat TOO MUCH Meat?
Well … Yes. As societies become more affluent they eat more meat. The China Study goes into detail about how the health of a nation declines as they become wealthy enough to eat large portions of meat.
Are There Health Benefits From Going Meatless?
Reducing your meat intake can lessen your own risk for developing chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even cancer.
Check out this delightful Meatless Infographic.
- Vegetarian diets may lower blood pressure. People eating a vegetarian diet have been found to have lower blood pressure than meat eaters, according to a new review of past studies.
- Daily Dose of Red Meat Can Be Deadly. We know from vast amounts of research that lots of red meat is simply not healthy. Dr. Dean Ornish (President at Preventive Medicine Research Institute and Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco) suggests that red meat lovers can reduce their risk by cutting meat one day a week. He argues, “Something as simple as a Meatless Monday can help. Even small changes can make a difference.”
- Too much animal protein linked to increased diabetes risk. People who eat the most protein from animal sources are more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, according to a study of European adults.
What Are the Benefits FOR THE PLANET of Reducing Meat Consumption?
If you are not convinced this is good for your health, then do it for the planet. Our earth is in serious trouble from the effects of raising livestock.
“Enough grain is squandered every day in raising America’s livestock for meat to provide every human being on earth with two loaves of bread” – John Robbins (From ‘Diet For A New America’)
- It takes 13 pounds of grain and 12,000 gallons of water to produce a single pound of meat.
- The climate change cost of animal meat production is greater than the cost of cars, planes and all other forms of transport put together. This is not just vegetarians or health advocates saying this either. The World Health Organization, Scientific American, New Scientist and Readers Digest have all come out with clear information on this fact. For more read: Effects of Meat Production on the Planet
- Animal agriculture is responsible for a whopping 18 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.
- Water pollution: Animal waste, antibiotics and hormones enter the water cycle alongside chemicals from tanneries, fertilizers and the pesticides used to spray feed crops.
What can you do?
1. Become part of the Meatless Monday Global movement.
2. Take a pledge to go Meatless Monday for one month. You will likely see a health improvement and you will be helping the earth’s environment. Make your pledge in the comments below.
3. Learn how to make Meatless Monday meals. Here is a link to all my recipes here: Meatless Monday Vegan Meals.
Try these Meatless Monday Recipes That Are Vegan And Delicious
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