Meat Free Monday is a movement which aims to encourage meat eaters to consider reducing their meat intake—for the sake of the planet and our own personal health.

Of course, an overall reduction in the collective consumption of meat will also benefit animals who live and die in over-crowded conditions.

But getting into the habit of meat-free days (let alone a meat-free life) does take some planning and organisation when we’re starting out. To help with that, I’m sharing recipes from the elephant archives on a weekly basis to encourage people who are considering dipping their toe into the vegetarian lifestyle.

Meat-free doesn’t have to mean taste-free. Following is a suggested meal plan for your own meat-free day this week:

Breakfast: Banana Pancakes

If you haven’t yet tried gluten-free banana pancakes, you’re in for a treat. Simply beat two eggs (from a happy hen) and add a pinch of baking powder. Add two (already mashed) ripe bananas and mix. Then cook in your pan as you would ordinary pancake batter. Serve with honey or maple syrup. (And coffee.)

Lunch: Beet Salad

Beets are my favorite root vegetable. Juiced or roasted, grated or pureed—all are good in my book. They can stain hands and chopping boards, but they’re totally worth it. This recipe is easy and can be enjoyed with quinoa or cous cous. Make enough to have left-overs, you’ll be glad you did!

Dinner: Falafel with Garlic Tahini Sauce

I love falafel and although they’re a little bit fiddly, they’re easier to make than you’d think. And you’ll find your own homemade results easily match those you’d get in a restaurant—and far exceed anything you’d buy in a supermarket.

Serve with salad in a pitta pocket.

Desert: Homemade Cookies

I haven’t made either yet, but there are two recent recipes that I’m keen to try out—and one of them is definitely on the menu for this weekend. Hell, I’m a little torn, so I might just make both together and then decide which I prefer.

Both are vegan and gluten-free and both seem easy to make. One, apparently, is “leg-humping good” and contains chocolate chips. The other contains peanut butter as well as chocolate—and sounds marginally easier—and if I only make one version, it’ll probably be the Peanut Butter Blossoms.

Do you have any favorite recipes to share? If already published on elephant journal, then please share the link in the comments. And if not, maybe you’d consider submitting for our reader’s benefit.

Relephant:

Mexican Inspired Recipes for Meat Free Monday.

4 Healthy Recipes for Meat Free Monday.

Author: Hilda Carroll

Image: cheeseslave at Flickr 

Editor: Renée Picard