Meatless Monday (and every other day)

Meatless Monday is gaining popularity. Not only is it a way to get more veggies into your diet but many people are using it to save their budget. You can stock up on in season vegetables on the cheap or even better, start up a backyard garden. I decided to do that this year and not only has it saved me from buying many of the basics from the grocery store it has also given me a sense of accomplishment in seeing those small plants produce an edible fruit/vegetable. My kids have helped with the picking (even if they won't eat that cherry tomato just yet!!) and they see that you can grow your own food!!

There are tons of websites and blogs with recipes that I have bookmarked to try (we try at least 1 new recipe a week). One of my favorite blogs is Two Peas and their Pod www.twopeasandtheirpod.com They are very similar to my husband and I with their food likes (she is vegetarian, he is not). While my hubby would take a steak anyday, he doesn't always get it. He is very good about eating what is on his plate and I still cook a meat protein for him most days of the week. I gave up meats about a year and a half ago, to avoid TMI, my digestion was not where it should be and I had too many stomach aches to count. When I decided to eliminate meat I was on vacation with my family (one is vegetarian and the other is vegan). They gave me great advice and resources (the blog world) to turn all those fruits and veggies into everyday food. I was shown that I could eat beyond salads (thank goodness!!)

Another great resource for me has been Community Helpings Co-op. They are strictly a volunteer base co-op run by its members - no profit is made by the groups. The deliveries run every 2 weeks to designated group pickup sites.

They support local suppliers whenever possible. Due to our growing seasons here in the Midwest, and our desire to eat healthy year round, we adjust our suppliers throughout the year.

Some of the local businesses:

San Luis Tortilla Company - St Louis, MO
Good Earth Egg Co. – Bonne Terre, MO
Grandmas Zesty Dressing – Jefferson City, MO
Heimos Farms – New Baden, IL
...and constantly growing!

I have become a group leader for the Arnold chapter. We have pick up at the First Baptist Church on Thursdays from 5:15-5:30. I would encourage you all to check out the website (there is more to it than fruits and veggies, although that is the main focus!) www.communityhelpingscoop.com and if you have any questions I would be happy to answer them arnold@groups.communityhelpingscoop.com. There are groups all over the metro area and in Illinois, so pass it along to your friends and family!

Going meatless on Mondays is a great start to change your diet gradually. My hope is that getting more veggies in that one day a week will have you adding them in to every meal. Just take it one step at a time!