The Red, White, and Green

Over the past several months, I’ve encountered friends and family who love the idea of Meatless Monday, but when faced with a full day of vegetarian eating, inevitably fall off the wagon. Some of the excuses I’ve heard: It’s time-consuming to prepare balanced vegetarian meals, I don’t like beans and tofu, my kids are picky eaters, I don’t have the money to buy lots of vegetables, etc. That’s why I was delighted to hear about the PB&J Campaign, which is working to change the world, one delicious sandwich at a time:

[Watch video on YouTube]

When it comes to convincing people to incorporate more meatless meals into their diet, I’m a big fan of starting with foods that people already know and love. Fried tempeh with shirataki noodles? Sounds a bit intimidating for the average Joe. Eggplant parmigiana? Sign me up! And who can argue with a PB&J? (Actually, a few: Those with nut allergies and/or gluten sensitivity; that’s why I’d like to see the folks at the PB&J Campaign incorporate some alternative recipes on their website.)

Sometimes the simplest solution is the most effective one. “Spread” the word!

–Jennifer Grayson

Do this now: Pack a PB&J for lunch today and save 2.5 pounds of CO2 emissions. For the biggest health benefit, use natural peanut butter, fruit-juice sweetened jam, and whole grain bread.

More Meatless Monday posts:
Baltimore City Public Schools first district in nation to adopt Meatless Monday
Meatless Monday: Animal Planet joins in!

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