i am so excited to share with you that I will be regularly contributing to Mind Yourself Chicago, an excellent resource and guide on health and wellness in my sweet hometown. as a representative of the meatless monday movement (along with oprah, michael pollan and paul mccartney), Mind Yourself has asked me to share a new vegetarian recipe each monday to inspire chicagoans to eat one meatless meal a week in support of a healthier planet and a healthier you.
it is no secret that a vegetarian diet reduces your risk of chronic (preventable) conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. going meatless once a week is a great way to ease into a more plant based diet while improving your health and reducing your carbon footprint. it may also inspire you to try new foods and tap into your kitchen creativity!
if you’re not convinced just yet, here are some compelling reasons to go meatless… at least just once a week!
hundreds of studies suggest that diets high in fruits and vegetables may reduce your risk of cancer. enough said. a healthy vegetarian meal is a great way to put more nutrients on your plate and add variety to your diet.
LOVE YOUR HEART.
replacing saturated fat-rich foods (like meat and dairy) with foods that are rich in polyunsaturated fat (vegetable oils, nuts and seeds) reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
LOVE YOUR BODY.
vegetarians have significantly lower body weights and body mass indices and are at much less risk for obesity.
LIVE LONGER.
the consumption of red and processed meat is associated with increases in total mortality, cancer mortality and cardiovascular disease mortality.
REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT.
it is estimated that the meat industry generates nearly one-fifth of the man-made greenhouse gas emissions responsible for climate change worldwide … far more than transportation.
the water needs of livestock are tremendous. an estimated 1,800 to 2,500 gallons of water go into a single pound of beef. tofu produced in california requires 220 gallons of water per pound.
about 40 calories of fossil fuel energy go into every calorie of feedlot beef in the U.S. only 2.2 calories of fossil fuel is needed to produce a calorie of plant-based protein.
choosing to cut back on meat consumption once a week can save the planet and create world peace! ok, i’m getting excited. but really… every bit counts. and as you become a healthier, more conscious eater, you will inspire others to do the same.
“be the change you wish to see in the world.” - gandhi
