Go Meatless One Day a Week…I dare you…i DOUBLE DARE YOU!

So every now and again I will post a meat recipe here on the blog…usually it is pescatarian or vegetarian because I am a huge advocate for Meatless Monday (although a good steak is nice every now and then). Growing up we ate vegetarian 6 out of 7 days a week. For most Indian people veggies are the staple diet and I guess that has stuck with me as an adult. Over the past few months I have been asked about why going meatless is so important and,

*ding, ding, ding. post time*

(btw. I love when you guys ask me questions. It fuels me to write better and informative posts so keep the questions and post ideas coming!)

It isn’t my intention to convert you into something that you aren’t into (or is it MUHAHAHA. My attempt at an evil laugh), however, OPTIONS.

Who doesn’t like a few options? And you know I am going to give you plenty of good reasons as to why you should try and incorporate this into your diet.

First, a few stats provided by Earth Day: if over the course of a year you….

Ate one less burger a week, it would be the equivalent of taking your car off the road for 320 miles.

Skip meat and cheese one day a week with your family, it would be the equivalent of taking your car off the road for five weeks – or reducing everyone’s daily showers by 3 minutes.

Skip steak once a week with your family, it would be the equivalent of taking your car off the road for nearly three months.

And if the entire U.S. did not eat meat or cheese for just one day a week, it would be the equivalent of not driving 91 billion miles – or taking 7.6 million cars off the road.

let that sink in.

Now the question is why? How does NOT eating meat help?

Well, let’s start with the environmental reasons.

“According to the Food and Agricultural Organization, livestock was estimated to contribute to 14.5 percent of global human-caused greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that livestock contributes to more than one-third of methane emissions, one type of GHG. Eating less meat by going meatless one day a week can contribute to efforts to reduce GHG.”

“Eating vegetables and grains directly instead of funneling them through animals uses far less land and water – and that’s why the UN has said that a global shift towards a vegan diet is vital to save the world from the worst effects of climate change.” I do agree going vegan is a little extreme, however one day a week can make a world of difference, like literally.

You would also be helping fight world hunger.

More than half the world’s crops are used to feed farmed animals, not people. That’s a hugely inefficient way to feed the world’s more than 7 billion inhabitants (more than 1 billion of whom currently go hungry). So, you could do your bit and eat the crops directly, rather than eat the animals – it’s much more sustainable. And you’re bound to feel good about yourself by doing it.

Ok, so you get it.

You’re saving the world and shit.

But, like, what’s in it for YOU?

My favorite – SAVE THAT CASH

Produce is V cheaper than meat. Not only will veggies help you get slimmer (my 2^nd favorite part of going meatless) but it keeps my wallet bulky with the extra cash.

It helps you lose weight – GET THAT UNWANTED WEIGHT OFF

On average, filling, nutrient-dense vegetarian meals are still lower in calories than meat-centered meals. Swapping out meat options for veggie options during the week helps you lower your calorie intake, up your nutrient and vitamin intake, and helps you slim down.

Lots of Protein with more variety – OPTIONS

Why people don’t think of veggies as a source of protein baffles me. It is SO easy to get great protein from plant-based sources.  Legumes (such as beans and lentils), nuts, tofu, and plant based protein powders (such as hemp pea, and rice protein,) are packed with protein and fiber, making them filling and healthy options to include in your vegetarian meals.

AND THE BEST PART.

You can eat some damn good food – NO MORE BITCHING THAT YOUR VEGGIE MEALS SUCK

With vegan/vegetarianism on the rise + just overall clean eating + people just wanting to be healthier in general – there are SO many work arounds to unhealthy favorites. This food doesn’t have to be bland and boring anymore. Just look at Indian food which is hugely popular now. Many dishes are tailored for the meatless lover. There is no room to bitch anymore. We have so many tools like Pinterest and Google that can get help you create a delicious meat free meal.

My challenge to you all is to TRY – keyword TRY to go meatless ONE DAY WEEK, FOR ATLEAST ONE MEAL. Tell me how your body felt, what you ate, if you liked it or not?

If you are totally against going meatless I would LOVE to know why. I want to see the other side of this coin. It’s all about a healthy discussion here.

Anyways. I’m going to get all warm and snuggly for the rest of this snow day.

Xx

K

Sweet and Masala