So you’re a midlifer…congratulations! You made it this far; surely you want to continue to live a long, healthy life, right? Yeah, me too. A few years ago, my husband and I decided to go meatless on Monday. Wait…Meatless Monday . . . you’ve heard of it, haven’t you?
Maybe some of you are vegetarians, and that’s wonderful. However, I’m sure there are a few of you out there who are radical meat-eaters (I see you crouching down behind that side of beef…). Well, for those carnivorous sorts, how’s about skipping the whole flesh thing one day a week?
Why, you ask? Well . . .
The Meatless Monday campaign, now in its 12th year, is a global initiative aimed at reducing meat consumption by 15%. By skipping meat one day a week, it could lead to better health, both personally and for the health of the planet by reducing your carbon footprint, minimizing water usage and fossil fuel. Meatless Monday has reached an international level and shows no signs of slowing down.
From as near as Canada, Jamaica and Mexico, to as far away as Belgium (with Ghent, Belgium being the first non-US city to go meatless), Germany, Australia, Holland, Japan and beyond . . . thousands of mindful people are dropping meat from their normal Monday routines.
There are a whole range of options to choose from when going meatless on a Monday (or any other day of the week, for that matter), and going meatless doesn’t mean going without flavor, nor does it have to be boring.
The Meatless Monday website offers a recipe database to help you turn your Monday kitchen routine into a meatless one. Or try one of the wonderful meatless dishes below from Bon Vivant (click on the images for the recipes). Of course, you’re not limited to what’s in your own kitchen. Don’t be afraid to venture out on a Monday night and go meatless.
If you don’t already, try going the Meatless Monday route. It’s just one day a week. Your body will thank you. So will the planet.
