Less Meat Monday
Did you know? Meatless Monday was started in 2003 by Sid Lerner, a man in his 70’s looking to help people cut back on saturated fat in their diets. Lerner partnered with Johns Hopkins University to launch Meatless Monday, a campaign in which everyone can take part! Even if not totally eliminating meat, you can still participate in this effort by reducing your meat intake on Mondays. Chefs Wolfgang Puck and Mario Batali, along with artists like Paul McCartney, are helping lead the less-meat movement. You can help, too, by opting for more plant-based protein sources!
A plant-based diet is recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Meat tends to be high in saturated fat and cholesterol, both of which can lead to heart problems. People who eat fewer animal products also have lower rates of obesity, dementia, arthritis, and hypertension, as well as other serious medical conditions. By swapping some meat for vegetables and grains, you can quickly increase your vitamin, mineral, and fiber intake…all while helping the environment! Livestock causes 18% of greenhouse gas emissions, an overuse of farmland, an increase in deforestation, and an increase in erosion. Production of vegetables requires less water, energy, fertilizer, and pesticides, leading to benefits all around. If you are in need of suggestions for plant-based protein sources or recipes, the MBM Meal Manual is a great place to start!
