“No challenge poses a greater threat to future generations than climate change.” ~ President Barack Obama.

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To effectively deal with the environmental challenges we’re facing, we need to do more than reduce fossil fuel consumption.

We need to seriously examine our consumption of animal products, because aside from the compassionate welfare issues, animal production is one of the greatest contributors to climate change. And while the best outcome for the planet is for us all to transition to vegan diets, for those who consider that too extreme it really doesn’t have to be all or nothing.

The message of Meat-Free Mondays is that, by simply taking one day a week to consciously abstain from meat products, we can cumulatively make a difference. And with baby steps, we might find it easier to have more and more meat-free days.

However, in the beginning, it does require some planning. We need to prepare ahead—in our heads, as well as our kitchens. So here’s a suggestion for a meat-free day this week. I hope it inspires you to give it a go.

Breakfast: Banana Baked Oatmeal

I haven’t tried this yet, but it’s on my to do list—and very soon. As it takes 30 minutes to bake, it does seem more suited to the weekend than a frantic Monday morning. However, I have a feeling that this is going to be something I’ll bake on Sundays and enjoy twice, making for an equally comforting start to Monday too.

Lunch: Vegan Frisco Burger

Truth be told, I haven’t a clue what a “Frisco burger” is. But I do know a really good sandwich when I see one. And that’s what this recipe is, essentially: a sandwich made with your choice of veggie burger and tarted up with a (yummy) “Frisco” sauce. It is a bit of a cheat, in that we’re not required to make our own burger from scratch, but if you want to you could try this recipe here. (I have no problem with the cheat option.)

The author suggests marinating the sauce in the fridge for an hour before using, but that’s just to get the best out of it (and a great option if making your burgers from scratch). In a hurry though (and using the cheat option), you can just give it as long as it takes for your burger to cook—it’ll still be good.

Dinner: Vegetable Chili

This recipe is close to how I make my own chili. I’m not a fan of broccoli and wouldn’t usually put zucchini in—though I might the next time. I do add diced carrots.

Delicious, hearty and warming, I serve this with brown rice on day one and I put the leftovers in a wrap for lunch on day two.

This is merely a suggestion, and there are plenty of alternative meal plans in the archives to whet your appetite. We always welcome new recipes too, so please consider submitting your own.

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Author: Hilda Carroll

Image: Wikimedia

Editor: Yoli Ramazzina