Meatless Mondays Controversy

By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom

While it’s hard enough to follow a healthy diet, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) found itself in a pickle recently, with a recommendation in its online newsletter to adopt the idea of “Meatless Mondays,” and replace a meat entrée with a vegetarian option.

Sounds good, right? But big problems arose immediately, and that recommendation was taken off of the website. Why? Because the USDA represents ALL foods, and groups like the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association found that to be a biased recommendation toward vegetables and away from beef.

In such a politically charged climate, where even a basic suggestion to broaden your food horizons is met with controversy and claims of bias, what is a consumer to do?

There’s no easy answer, but common sense is a good place to start. There are health benefits to both meat and vegetables. Moderation is key. Stick with a variety of foods, seasonal and simply prepared, for best nutrients and cost savings. Watch out for processed foods, with loads of hidden salt, sugars, and fat. If it doesn’t look like one of nature’s originals, limit your intake.

If you want to try a Meatless Monday, you have a lot of options. Prepare a vegetable stew, with chunks of tofu replacing beef. Or mash black or red beans to spread on a tortilla, topped with lettuce, onions, and shredded cheese. If you're new to vegetable proteins, try some soy crumbles (in the frozen foods section) in your marinara sauce, to top some whole wheat pasta. 

Going meatless one day a week is a good way to trim extra calories and fat, and reduce your "carbon footprint" to support a healthier environment.

It’s a great idea, and not just on Mondays, if it suits your needs!

What have you tried for Meatless Monday?