Meatless Monday: Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Today is Meatless Monday! What is Meatless Monday? "Meatless Monday is an international campaign that encourages people to not eat meat on Mondays to improve their health and the health of the planet."

Here's a delightful Meatless Monday recipe for you to try:
 
Strawberries are in season! This is a delicious way to enjoy them.

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Ingredients

1 bunch fresh spinach
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Combine the spinach, strawberries, and almonds in a large bowl.
2. Stir the balsamic vinegar and honey together in a bowl; slowly stream the olive oil into the mixture while whisking continuously. Season with salt and pepper.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.

Recipe and photo by Chrisetta Mosley

Meatless Monday's

Once upon a time meat was the largest portion on my plate. I'm proud to say that's changed. Now-a-days, my plate is heavy on the plants (vegetables and fruits). I've come to embrace this healthier option after taking health courses, reading, and watching documentaries. I've cut back on my animal protein considerably. And, honestly, I don't miss it.

Believe it or not, I'm not going to stand on my soapbox about meat consumption and how it effects our health and our environment. This is a HUGE topic that I've kinda tackled passively at least in a few previous blogs. I've reposted them below.

Anyhow, I do enjoy a meatless meal now and again. Today, I'll do just that. To celebrate Meatless Monday I whipped up a simple meatless dish that I ate for lunch and will reheat with ease for dinner. Sautéed mini bell peppers, red onions, spinach and garlic over a bed of brown rice with black beans and a drizzling of a Lime Vinaigrette (not shown). Delish! 

If I've piqued your interest here's some sites that may be helpful:

Meatless Monday
Forks Over Knives 
Fresh 
Dr. Joel Fuhrman

 
Past blog posts sorta related:

Meatless Monday
Retrain your brain
Fresh and far away
Disturbing trends
Like the Incas

Meatless Monday

Yesterday, I decided to join the "Meatless Monday" movement. Watching the documentary, "Food Inc." was a real eye-opener for me and swayed my decision to jump on the bandwagon. I am very, very disappointed and disheartened about our government's role with food, the meat industry, and the mistreatment of animals. Another blog post will have to be written for this topic.  Anyhow, here's a list of my meatless meals:


Breakfast: Grilled zucchini, onion, and mushroom frittata with half of a grapefruit and black coffee.


Lunch: Spinach with Orzo and Feta 

This was my first time trying this Martha Stewart recipe. It comes from her cookbook "Everyday Food." It's so appropriately titled, all  the recipes are easy to prepare using "Everyday Food."  The highlight of this simple dish was the tangy, crumbles of Feta.Yum!



Post workout snack: Whey Protein shake made with Almond milk served with an orange.


                                                
Dinner: Sunny-side Up Lentil Salad  
I was instantly drawn to this recipe from Self magazine because of the use of Lentils. I just tried Lentils for the  first time last week and couldn't wait to use and eat them again. I love the nutty texture and mild taste. Bonus: Tons of protein. The dish was delightful although I wasn't thrilled about the dressing.


I felt good about the food I ate yesterday and was satisfied. Although, I was certainly okay with my meal choices and I'm appalled by the meat industry. I'm not planning on becoming vegetarian or vegan anytime soon. I will, however, make Meatless Monday's a regular part of my nutrition plan. It's NOT only better for me, but better for the environment.