Whether you are an adamant vegan, are transitioning towards a plant-based diet, or are a passionate meat-lover, Meatless Monday is a global movement for you and your family. The idea revolves around enjoying meatless dishes on Monday (or any other day of the week for that matter) not just for your health but also for our planet’s health.
Contents
What is Meatless Monday?
Meatless Monday is an international movement with the idea of curtailing the use of meat. This campaign was launched as a non-profit initiative in 2003 in collaboration with the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
The idea was simple, and it was backed with an objective: to reduce meat consumption by 15%. As the movement is about to complete two decades, this has become a weekly habit of people around the world. The action is not just limited to individuals, but many schools, universities, restaurants, and organizations are going meatless on Mondays.
Los Angeles became the first city in the U.S. to observe Meatless Mondays in 2012. Later, many cities in the U.S. and over 40 countries around the world embraced the idea and go meatless on Mondays. Though they have different names, the philosophy remains the same.
Why Observe Meatless Monday?
Yes, we go meatless on Mondays, but why was there a need to observe this weekly ritual? Going meatless on one day during the week can bring many benefits to your health and our planet’s health and prosperity.
Research indicates that reducing meat consumption lowers the risk of numerous diseases, including certain types of cancers, heart diseases, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Environmentally, lowering meat consumption can have a positive impact on carbon footprints.
Why Monday?
There is a specific reason why go vegan on Mondays, and that reason is backed with research. According to data, people are more open to adopting healthy behaviors at the start of the week. Monday, being the first day of the week, allows resetting the entire week’s tone and helps people get back on track after a weekend. Studies also indicate that people who start a healthy habit at the beginning of the week are more likely to stick to it through the week.
Why Meatless?
Transitioning to veganism or going meatless on Mondays has a positive impact not only on your health but also on the environment. The livestock sector contributes heavily to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, livestock relies more on natural resources (including water) compared to fruits and vegetables. Replacing meat with vegan food options even on a single day in a week can lay a significant role in reducing your carbon footprints. It can also reduce the demand for scarce natural resources such as water and land.
The Bottom Line
If you are planning to go vegan, start your transition by going meatless on Mondays. As you skip meat on the first day of the week, you will likely stick to healthy eating habits for the rest of the week. By going meatless on Mondays, you are not only choosing a healthy lifestyle but also contributing positively to saving your environment.
