Almost exactly two years ago, Integrative Nutrition founder Joshua Rosenthal discussed the nonprofit initiative, Meatless Monday right here on our blog. The movement encourages people to pledge to eat meat-free each Monday, the day most Americans begin their week and tend to set intentions for the days ahead.

This Meatless Monday is a special one, as it’s the first Monday of October: Vegetarian Awareness Month. Several organizations including the North American Vegetarian Society are urging people to abstain from meat this month, and are even offering prizes for those who make a pledge.

A vegetarian diet is one of the major dietary theories we examine at IIN, in keeping with the notion that no one diet is right for everyone. At times a major source of controversy, the decision to eat meat is a personal one. Some meat, when consumed in moderate proportions, provides an excellent source of protein and essential vitamins including zinc, iron and B12. There are also serious drawbacks to eating meat, such as the impact on the environment and health risks. 

Many people choose to participate in Meatless Monday because it’s an easy way to make a difference, one day at a time. If everyone attempted to cut back on meat each Monday, we might see a major change in the environment, and in our health as a nation.