I grew up in a meat-and-potatoes household. Meat was the main course on most days. The rest of the meals were pretty much after-thoughts. But that way of eating is just not healthy.
The new American plate technique urges us to fill half our plate with fruits and vegetables. Further, it invites us to consider those plant-based foods as the "star" of the meal. This mental exercise can really help to plan healthy meals! If half the plate is fruits and vegetables, with one quarter being a whole grain and the final quarter a lean protein, we have a great template for a healthy meal.
Meatless Monday is a national health campaign to help Americans prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer - four of the leading causes of death in America.
There are all sorts of alternatives to meat. Years ago I read a book by Sally and Martin Stone called The Instant Bean. I hated beans, but when I found out how important they were to a healthy diet I began to consciously change my aversion to by trying bean recipes of all types. I now crave beans and find that they are a great source of protein. My family often eats bean dishes instead of meat.
With the temperatures dropping, try making a meatless chili. There are plenty of recipes on the Meatless Monday sitefor chili and other meatless dishes, including meatless meatloaf. Eliminating meat at least one day per week is an easy strategy toward a healthier tomorrow.