3 Reasons to Eat More Meatless Meals
Eating more meatless meals has many benefits, even if you don’t go all-out vegetarian. Join us for our new #Meatless series, as we discover tasty and healthy ways that make eating less meat easy and enjoyable.
Lots of us grew up eating meat in every meal. I was definitely raised in that kind of household, and still today, my parents have trouble cooking meatless meals.
While I will always love a juicy steak and a plate of crispy fried chicken, I make sure plenty of meatless meals make it onto our weekly menu.
Some of this is out of necessity – my husband is a vegetarian – but even if he wasn’t, there are lots of benefits to including a few meatless meals on our menu.
Here are the 3 reasons that compel me the most when it comes to eating more meatless meals:
1. REDUCES GROCERY BILL
Vegetarian proteins are less expensive than meat, so including a few meatless meals featuring beans or tofu will definitely lower your food bill. Also, in general, fresh vegetables are very budget-friendly, especially when you buy them in season. They also taste and look better when they’re at their peak.
To find out when veggies and fruits are in season, consult our produce charts below. (For the Australian versions of these charts, go here for the veggie chart and here for the fruit chart.)
Vegetables by Month (US)
Discover what veggies are in season each month with this Vegetables by Month Chart
Fruits by Month (US)
Enjoy fruits at their peak every month with this Fruits by Month Chart
2. CREATES A MORE BALANCED DIET
Animal proteins tend to have more saturated fat and are lower in fiber, something most Americans need more of. When you substitute animal proteins with vegetarian proteins, more whole grains and veggies, you will end up with a diet that is higher in fiber and will offer you a wider array of essential vitamins and minerals.
3. HELPS THE ENVIRONMENT
Raising animals for food requires a lot of land, fossil fuel, water, and food, so cutting back on some of the meat you eat is a good way to reduce your environmental impact. (Check out more statistics here.) It takes a lot less to produce 1 pound of vegetarian protein than 1 pound of animal protein.
We’d love if you could share these smarts, so that more folks can benefit from meatless meals!
It might seem like eating meatless once a week will not make a difference, but it does! Even if you don’t see immediate results with the environment, you will definitely notice the benefits in your health and grocery bill.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing tips on how you can easily create meatless meals in your kitchen.
To kick off this series, we created a brand new infographic containing all you need to know about vegetarian protein sources – legumes, grains, soy products, dairy products, and more! It also illustrates protein requirements by age, just in case you’re worried you’re not getting enough protein (though most carnivores get more than enough protein in their diet!).
Be the first to get this infographic and free download in your inbox when it comes out by signing up for our newsletter below. You’ll also receive all our upcoming tips and fun resources on how to incorporate more meatless meals into your diet (hint: it’ll include fun salads and a buffet bar!). . .just be sure to sign up before Saturday, 5/14!
Lastly, I get that a slice of tofu may never satisfy your craving for a juicy steak, so it’s all about finding the right balance for you and your family.
Remember, you don’t have to become a vegetarian to enjoy the benefits above, so come enjoy a few meatless meals with us.
