Meatless Monday following WHO report on processed meats

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Bacon, sausage and other processed meats are now ranked alongside cigarettes and asbestos as known carcinogens, the World Health Organization announced recently. You probably saw this one coming. One idea to reduce meat consumption (red meat has also been linked to cancer) in your home is to begin with Meatless Mondays. And that is just what it sounds like. You simply don’t eat meat on Mondays. This easy step may get you trying and feeling more comfortable with meatless meals.

Here are some easy ways to begin (as shared on FOX 26 Morning News):

  1. Incorporate more bean and lentil recipes. Beans and lentils are both great sources of protein and fiber. They are very filling and soup, stew and chili recipes are all perfect for the cooler weather headed our way.
  2. Black beans are one of the richest sources of antioxidants and one of the healthiest options in this category. They are also delicious in many Mexican recipes.
  3. Mushrooms are a fantastic healthy meat substitute. They have a great meaty texture, are very easy to cook and can take on the flavors of your recipe.  It is highly recommended to buy organic mushrooms.
  4. Portabellas are a favorite. A marinated, grilled portabella can taste just like a juicy steak.  When ordering fajitas, many restaurants are offering choices of portabella, beef or chicken.
  5. Mushrooms are also the perfect addition to pasta recipes, again adding flavor and a meaty texture.
  6. Try the 3-week Renew Cleanse.  More than 60 easy, healthy, delicious, meat-free recipes to try; daily emails; video tutorials; coaching calls and a community of support.  Make sure and read all of the Success Stories.  It is amazing what can happen in 3 short weeks with real food as the focus (weight loss, clarity, increased energy, new healthier habits, change in cravings/taste buds, increased confidence, blood sugar regulation, clear skin, and so much more).
  7. Recipes where we keep familiar flavors, but create them with new healthier ingredients. This report shares concern over bacon, but most of us love that bacon flavor.  A healthy alternative would be coconut bacon crumble.

Coconut bacon crumble is great on salads, sandwiches, baked potatoes, served with breakfast and more.

Ingredients

- 3 cups large, unsweetened coconut flakes
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce (I recommend Braggs Liquid Aminos or Tamari Sauce)
- 2 ½ Tbsp liquid smoke (found near the BBQ sauce in most stores)
- 1 ½ Tbsp maple syrup

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
  3. Mix all liquid ingredients together and coat coconut
  4. Spread coconut on baking sheet in an even layer
  5. Bake approximately 10-12 minutes, stirring/flipping halfway through
  6. Watch closely, remove when edges are golden brown. Enjoy!