Start the Week Off with Meatless Monday!

Meatless Monday, the public health awareness program run by Johns Hopkins, is nothing new. During World War I, there was a campaign started by President Wilson to decrease meat consumption among families in an attempt to assist the war effort. These days, the campaign is for different reasons - health reasons. There are studies that show that a decrease in meat consumption can lead to healthier eating and more positive wellness decisions. After a weekend of unhealthy decision-making, start the new week on the right foot. Get some exercise. Make better food choices. Eat a meatless meal! But how to start?

Many people feel that a meal is not quite complete without meat. If you are in this group, start by focusing on reducing red meat, pork, and chicken consumption but keeping a seafood component to your meal. For example, instead of having a chicken breast and two sides, replace the chicken with a piece of fish. Or in the case of a meat pasta dish, cook shrimp in the pasta in place of the meat. Another idea is to cook portobello mushrooms as a meat substitute. The "meat" is firm and hearty, holding up well between two buns or as the base in a "stuffed vegetable" recipe. More ideas:

When you want tacos...switch out the beef or chicken with quick sautéed shrimp or baked tilapia or black beans. 

When you want chicken pesto pasta...spread pesto on a salmon fillet and broil, serving over a bed of linguine tossed in pesto and a green salad. 

When you want chicken pot pie or similar type of casserole...omit the chicken and double the veggies. (Quick tip: double the recipe, make two casseroles, and freeze one!)

When you want enchiladas...substitute shrimp or beans for the beef or chicken. 

When you want chicken tenders...try breading and pan frying tilapia fillets.  

When you want lasagna...omit the meat and use spinach and sliced zucchini instead. 

When you want a steak…try a swordfish or halibut steak…..or just get yourself a good, juicy steak. ;-)

What's your favorite meatless meal?