Meatless Monday is by no means a modern concept. The U.S. Food Administration first proclaimed for every Tuesday to be meatless during World War I. At the time, populations in Europe were ravaged by the war and struggling to cover basic necessities, including food. Thus, reducing the consumption of meat amongst families in North America was thought to be an effective way to help soldiers on the home front and feed the most vulnerable overseas.
Today, the reasons behind Meatless Monday have been modernized and reintroduced to the public. Since 2003, the campaign led by Sid Lerner and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Center for a Livable Future, has been transformed into a global movement. Meatless Monday, encourages families to eliminate meat from their diet one day a week, as a way to benefit their health and the environment.
3 Benefits of Meatless Monday
If you commit to one meatless day a week, it can positively impact your health and the world around you. Learn about these Meatless Monday benefits and more below:
- Health – Limiting your meat intake will force you to get creative with your food and find healthier alternatives. Fortunately, meat is not the only source of important vitamins and minerals like protein. In fact, leafy greens such as spinach and kale, both offer several grams of protein per cup, and also add fiber and iron to your diet. Beans, quinoa, tofu, and nuts are also excellent substitutes for meat. Furthermore, limiting your meat intake will help reduce the amount of saturated fats you consume over time. A diet that is heavy in saturated fats has been linked to heart disease and stroke.
- Environment – Raising livestock for consumption purposes produces a significant amount of greenhouse gas. Greenhouse gas is responsible for trapping heat within the earth’s atmosphere, resulting in global warming. Producing meat also requires the use of more water and fossil fuels. For instance, animals are fed significant portions of grains that people could be directly consuming. Instead, the resources to produce grains are being utilized for feeding the animals.
- Budget – One meatless day a week can help you save money. Meat alternatives such as vegetables, grains, and legumes are far less expensive than using chicken or steak in every meal. Fresh ingredients can be transformed in a number of different ways to make your meals more interesting. Additionally, vegetable-based dishes will eliminate the worry that often accompanies cooking poultry and meat.
Satisfy Your Vegan and Vegetarian Needs at Crepe Delicious
For meat lovers everywhere, committing to Meatless Monday may sound like a challenge. Fortunately, there are many alternatives to meat dishes that are equally delicious, and provide even better nutrition. At Crepe Delicious, we understand the significant correlation between a healthy diet and a longer and happier life. That is why we are proud to offer meatless crepe options like our Tofu Mushroom Crepe made with fresh ingredients to help support your healthy eating habits.
At Crepe Delicious, you can find a number of healthy fast food options on our menu. For your next meatless Monday meal, visit a location near you.