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

Retrain your brain

Retrained: Breakfast

Eat a meal that doesn't consist of meat, by choice. Never. Brown rice instead of sticky white rice. Seriously. Greens and eggs for breakfast. Nope.  It's been a long time coming, but I've changed my eating habits for the good.

When I first learned that brown rice was the best choice, I resisted. Sometimes, I would prefer to go without the rice because it just didn't taste the same. It was too crunchy, too nutty. Ha. But, since it was the better alternative for me health wise I continued to prepare and eat it. Low and behold the very reasons I use to not like it are the very reasons I like it. White rice just seems like fluff, there's no substance. When you eat brown rice you are eating the whole grain which makes you become more satisfied.

The way I see food now is completely different than in the past. I now understand food is fuel for my body, so my goal is to fill it with premium goods. My latest food discoveries:

• Kale is king of the greens! 
• Sautéed collard greens are just as good if not better than the southern cooked way.
• I can enjoy a meal without meat. Actually, kinda prefer it.
• Buns are overrated. If I indulge in a cheeseburger I omit the bun or replace it with tomato slices.
• I really, really like whole grains. Especially, my new found friend, wheat berries.
• Fruit is nature's goodness.
• Vegetables make all meals better.

I love food. I'm proud of myself for retraining myself to enjoy it without abusing it and make better conscious choices. I've retrained my brain. You can do it too, start with some small adjustments and if you don't particularly like it the first time try it again. You may find that you can learn to like it. Think of the health benefits. Food is meant to nourish our bodies. If you think of it that way, retraining your brain will come easy.