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.

Meat is one of those foods that cause a lot of controversy. For years many people chose to not eat meat for ethical reasons. Now it seems more people are abstaining from eating meat products because of the significant impacts it has on the environment and health reasons.

Meat does provide a lot of essential vitamins like zinc, iron and B12, but you can find these vitamins in other food sources like grains and leafy green vegetables. When you consume animal food it might make you feel more grounded than vegetables or fruit. Some people feel more powerful, have higher self-esteem and confidence. Do you notice how you feel after eating chicken or beef?

The decision about whether or not to eat meat is a personal one and one that might change several times over the course of your life. This is totally okay. You may decide to eat more meat during your younger years to have more energy and to feel more ground, but then later on decide that you want to consume a cleaner diet of just whole grains, vegetables and fruit.

If you choose that meat works for your body it is best to stick to small quantities of high-quality organic meat. It is also advised that you switch up the type of meat that you eat. Most Americans consume beef which is linked to many health related diseases. Try duck, chicken, lamb or fish.

Have you recently decided to incorporate meat into your diet or that meat really doesn’t make you feel good? Let us know!