Every Journey Begins With the First Step

If you are serious about changing your diet to preserve your health, go meatless one day a week. If you want to begin to change the eating habits of your love ones, but wonder how to create a desire in them to make healthier choices, introduce them to “Meatless Mondays. Because every journey begins with the first step, slowly integrate new flavors into their lives every Monday.

 

The “Meatless Monday” campaign is nothing new. You simply cut back on your meat intake, starting on Mondays. According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, “Meatless Monday is an international campaign that encourages people not to eat meat on Mondays to improve their health and the health of the planet”.

29 countries had joined the world in empowering families to participate in “Meatless Mondays”.  More than 100 schools, food service companies and restaurants joined the commitment to offer “Meatless Mondays” options, in the United States. The Food Network Iron Chief Mario Batali joined the movement and is now offering “Meatless Mondays” in his restaurants.

 

According to Eliza Barclay of NPR news, “Why Monday? Because several studies have demonstrated that people are more likely to try to quit smoking, begin a diet or exercise regimen, schedule doctors' appointments or adopt other healthy behaviors on Monday than any other day”.  It’s true, I always make a commitment to change or start some on Monday, and I splurge all weekend so that I can get it out of my system. Kristie Middleton coordinates Meatless Mondays across the country. 
 

 During an interview at the Sonoma County School District said, “On a recent Monday, students didn’t seem to notice that meat was missing. They ate their watermelon, cheese sticks and even broccoli with zeal. Some devoured their bean chili and others pecked at it, but nobody complained about the missing ground beef”. Children are more adaptable and flexible. Yes, they may complain but there are so many delicious tasting foods that you can substitute for the meat. Eventually they will realize meatless meals on Mondays are not the end of the world.

For me, being a beginner learning how to shop without buying meat was very intimidating. Combine that with being a new plant-based eater was daunting because I had never eaten a meal without meat before. But, I was determined and I joined the “Meatless Mondays” campaign.  I slowly weaned myself off of processed foods and l learned to read labels. I watched documentaries about eating healthy.

I was introduced to “Forks Over Knives” by a friend who was critically ill.  He changed his diet, lost weight and decreased the possibility of death 100 percent. Doctors from a hospital and the VA told him to prepare to leave this world.  He was so excited about a second chance to live, he would share the information with everyone whose paths he crossed. I was one of those people and I watched the documentary. When you get a free moment watch this video, it will change your outlook!

Forks Over Knives examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be reversed. Because I was open and receptive to new possibilities, I too have rewritten my life’s story.  Watching this could possibly be the turning point in your life, and in the lives of your love ones.  Even if you are not ready to make a change, remember, the seed will be planted and one day those seeds will take root. Never forget, every journey begins with the first step. How I started making small changes to my diet.

•  started replacing meat with vegetables (Veggies have a lot of protein), fruit, grains, legumes (Beans), nuts and seeds


• I pulled my magic bullet out of the closet and began making smoothies which helped me begin to decrease my sugar intake; especially since diabetes genes have been passed down from other generations


• I began to watch YouTube videos about “Meatless Mondays”

Whatever your inspiration is: weight loss, increased athletic performance, feeling your best, increasing your health, or saving the life of your love one, every journey begins with one step.  Why not take the “Meatless Mondays” challenge? Learning to eat less meat is a journey not a destination. Don’t give up, take it one day at a time.  You will keep growing healthier and possibly extend your life and the lives of your love ones as you continue on this life-changing path.

               Peace, Love, Joy and Good Health!!!  God Bless You. 
                                          Wanda Ross, A Woman of Prophetic Destiny