When I first heard about the “Meatless Monday” movement, I thought it sounded like an easy way to remember to eat more fish and try some new recipes. Then I became a Health Coach and learned how much impact one less day of eating meat can have on our health and on our planet. While going meatless once a week may reduce your risk of chronic illness (such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity), it also reduces your carbon footprint. According to the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, livestock production accounts for 18% of global greenhouse emissions. Who would have thought cows are contributing to global warming?

But one day a week, you can make a difference in your health and in healing our planet by not eating meat.

Meatless Monday doesn’t always have to be about eating fish, although eating fish is a good place to start. Here’s how my Meatless Monday sometimes looks: Smoothie for breakfast (mixed berries, protein powder, kale and coconut water); Lunchtime is a smashed avocado on toasted sprouted grain bread topped with spinach (pears on the side) and for snack, a handful of homemade trail mix. Dinner brings fresh grilled fish and veggies with quinoa. There are lots of recipes that don’t have beef, chicken or pork as their focus. Check out the Meatless Monday website for new meatless recipes: www.meatlessmonday.com.

How will your Meatless Monday look? Experiment and have fun with your meals… you might find a new favorite dish in the process, and you can be sure your body and your planet will thank you.

Eat Clean, Live Green!