Week 1: What is Meatless Monday?
Meatless Monday is based on a simple concept: cut out meat, one day a week. When you participate in Meatless Monday, you’re doing your body, your planet, and your tastebuds a huge favor. Not only do you get to try new and fun foods, you’re also helping to preserve the environment and keeping your body nourished and strong. Get started with a simple meal plan for three plant-based meals this Monday.
Week 2: How does Meatless Monday help our planet?
What we eat has a major impact on the health of the planet and our ecosystems. Certain foods, like beef, pork, and lamb, require more of the Earth’s resources to produce than other high-protein foods especially those from plants, and by eating less of them, we can help conserve water, preserve rainforests, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect species diversity. Add more plant-based meals to your week, starting on Monday.
Week 3: How does Meatless Monday benefit our health?
The link between diet and health is well established. Eating less meat and more plant-based foods, like fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, and seeds can help your body function properly and reduce the risk of future health challenges. Lower your risk of common chronic illnesses like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease by eating more plant-based meals, starting on Meatless Monday.
Week 4: What to eat on Meatless Monday?
The short answer is: pretty much anything! Foods like burritos, hummus, pasta, pizza, chili, and enchiladas are all naturally meat-free, while other favorites, like burgers, sausage patties, meatballs, meatloaf, bacon, chicken nuggets, lasagna, and Buffalo wings can all be recreated using only plant-based ingredients. Tip: Try your favorite recipes or meals but swap out the meat with a plant-based option such as beans, tofu, tempeh, or plant-based meat.
Week 5: What are some protein-packed plant-based foods?
Everything from peanut butter to black beans to tofu to quinoa contains varying amounts of protein. Eat a diverse array of plant-based proteins, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and beans and you’ll get all the protein you need for the day. Fact: Americans eat 1.5 times more protein than they need each day. Enjoy your favorite foods like tacos and Bolognese by simply swapping the meat for a plant-based ingredient such as black beans, lentils or tempeh.
Week 6: How to get friends, family, and classmates involved in Meatless Monday?
Meatless Monday is a growing movement, with people around the world taking part every day. School clubs, cooking classes, recipe swaps, and social media groups are all great ways to spread the word and increase awareness. Recruit your parents and family members to try Meatless Monday at home. Tip: Many people are more successful with making healthy diet changes when their friends and family do it together.
