Meat-Free Mondays has as much (if not more) of an environmental drive as it does for animal welfare.

This is because animal agriculture is playing an enormous role in climate change. And while many are reluctant to cut meat out altogether, reducing our consumption can help significantly.

Meat-free meals don’t have to be boring. However, in the beginning, some planning and preparation can help us to stay on track with a commitment to eat less meat.

With that in mind, here is a suggested meal plan to help you get ready for a meat-free Monday (or other day of your choosing) in the coming week:

Breakfast: Healthy Breakfast Bar

I haven’t made these yet, but they’re on my list. Jam-packed full of yummy nuts, they seem perfect for those rushing-out-the-door mornings, or for a mid-morning snack with a hot cuppa. I’m sure your kids will love them too as a healthy lunchbox treat.

Lunch: Curried Coconut Butternut Squash Soup

You’ll need a bit of time to make this soup as the squash needs to be roasted in advance. But this creamy, dreamy soup is worth the extra bit of effort. It’s also health-boosting, thanks to the tumeric and ginger.

Dinner: Wild Mushroom & Barley Casserole

This is the perfect meal to cook on the same day as the butternut squash soup (even if you don’t eat it until the next day), as it also calls for roasted butternut squash. The prep is easy and the oven will be on anyway—just pop the dish in for an hour and you have a delicious, hearty meal, no meat required.

You’ll find plenty of alternative meal plans in our archives and we always welcome new recipe submissions.

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Relephant:

Top Seasonal Foods for our Pantries & Bellies

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Author: Hilda Carroll

Image: Flickr/Cheryl

Editor: Travis May