If you find yourself wondering, "where's the beef?" it’s probably a Monday. A Meatless Monday that is! A nationwide pro-veggie effort is sweeping the nation persuading people to go meatless at least one day a week. What began during WWI as a way to ration meat to help the war effort was re-launched in 2003 as a public health campaign to help people reduce their saturated fat intake. Now a national tradition, Meatless Mondays has been embraced by schools, hospitals and renowned restaurants all over the country. Even Oprah has joined the Meatless mania, establishing the program at Harpo Studios.

Why Meatless?

It’s not necessarily about being vegan or vegetarian, though if you are, there’s a good chance you’re on a better path to health. There’s an ever-growing body of research indicating that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can aid in reversing the symptoms of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and cancer. So even if you’re cutting meat out for one day, you’re doing wonders for your health.

Why Should I Join the Movement?

Here are just a few of the benefits of participating in the Meatless Monday movement:

Improve Your Health

Diets high in fruit and veggies, and low in saturated fat have long been shown to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Vegan and vegetarian recipes, as well as online vegan food delivery services can help with your meat-free meal planning.

Give Your Digestive System a Break

It takes a lot more work to digest meat than digesting vegetables and fruit. More roughage consumption also helps you increase your fiber intake. Plant based diets are why many vegan and vegetarian eaters have excellent fiber levels and healthy bowel movements.

Live Longer!

According to the Archives of Internal Medicine, eating red or processed meat increases total mortality, cancer mortality and cardiovascular disease mortality. Limiting your intake can actually increase your chances of living a healthier and ultimately longer life.

Save Money

Even the cheapest cuts of meat cost about $3 a pound. Compare that with rice and beans, both costing under $1 per pound and there’s already an extra $2 in your pocket. Plus, fruit and vegetables tend to keep you fuller longer, so you won’t need to purchase as much when you go grocery shopping. Try stocking your fridge with some vegan and vegetarian dishes from an online vegan food delivery service to avoid going out to eat.

It's a new adventure!

We all get stuck in ruts eating the same stuff over and over again. Meatless Mondays let you experiment and get creative with your meal choices. It could even lead to a full-time vegan or vegetarian diet, which would be an added bonus!