Limiting the amount of meat you eat per week may reduce your chance of chronic conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. Check out these other 6 great benefits of Meatless Mondays:
There are plenty of reasons why you might want to add “Meatless Mondays” to your weekly meal plan. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Research shows that people who eat red meat are at a higher risk of death from heart disease, stroke or diabetes.” In addition, ditching meat once a week will encourage you to try other foods that are good for your health. Plant-based diets that include veggies, fruits, grains, beans, and nuts are high in fiber, vitamins, and nutrients. Still need convincing? “Meatless Mondays” can help you do the following:
Reduce Heart Disease and Stroke: Fruits and vegetables help your body fight cardiovascular disease. If you are excluding meat, be sure to still eat a well-balanced meal that supplements the nutrients you would get from animal protein. Eating no meat on Mondays will encourage you to increase your veggie, fruit, whole grain, and legume intake.
Lower Cancer Risk: Red meat or processed meat may increase the risk of colorectal cancer due to naturally occurring carcinogens. Having a diet rich in vegetables and fruits and limiting red meat consumption may lower that risk.
Prevent Diabetes: Diets low in processed meat, and high in plant-based foods, may also reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes. Adding more greens to your plate can help you maintain a healthy weight through a well-balanced diet, which is a key factor in type 2 diabetes prevention .
Prevent Obesity: Because greens are so rich in fiber, those who eat vegetarian diets have a lower risk of obesity. As obesity may lead to other health issues, going green on Mondays may help you maintain a healthy weight.
Save Money: Not only is excluding meat on Mondays good for your health, but it’s also for your wallet. Save a few bucks each week by skipping meat!
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Avoiding meat just one day a week saves valuable resources that can then be used elsewhere. This greatly lowers a person’s carbon footprint and helps us maintain wildlife and resources.
To learn more about Meatless Mondays, please visit the Mayo Clinic’s website here.
Are you excited to give a meatless meal a try? Try this recipe for healthy and delicious Chick Pea Tacos.
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