Esteemed medical practice and research institution Mayo Clinic promotes eating meatless meals as a means of improving health and saving money.
In an article in its website’s health section, Mayo Clinic notes that vegetarians weigh less and have a lower risk of heart disease than non-vegetarians. Even simply eating less meat has a protective effect against cancer.
Dietary guidelines already recommend ensuring our diets incorporate a variety of protein sources, including beans and peas, soy products, and nuts and seeds. Foods that are high in solid fats, such as meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products like cheese, according to Mayo Clinic, should be replaced by healthier options.
For those not ready to make the leap into full-on vegetarianism, Mayo Clinic suggests starting with a couple of dinners each week. Protein-rich plant foods like beans, legumes, and tofu can be substituted for meat in familiar recipes.
Choosing to leave animals off of our plates is good for our bodies, our wallets, the planet, and of course, the animals themselves. Check out ChooseVeg.ca for inspiration.
Image: Vegan Japanese-inspired pancake at Live in Toronto
