Meat-free Mondays

The idea of eating less red meat isn't exactly alien. Nutritionists recommend we limit our intake and cut down dramatically on the more heavily processed sources, such as sausages and cured hams. Now it's in the headlines again as celebrities lend their support to the idea of Meat-free Mondays. By opting for one day a week with no meat, we're told we're not only benefiting our health, but also saving the planet!

Between 20 and 30 per cent of global greenhouse gasses comes from food production. Rearing livestock accounts for about half of this, and our consumption of meat and poultry is constantly rising. Cutting down on the amount of meat we eat could help reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses produced.

Health benefits are also well-documented. Vegetarians (and those who eat fish, but not meat) are less likely to succumb to some cancers, although the reason is not known. A diet full of fruit and vegetables will, by definition, have lots of fibre so this could well be part of benefit.

But will cutting out meat one day a week really make a difference? According to Meat Free Monday campaigners including Paul McCartney, Chris Martin and Sophie Ellis Bextor, yes it will. Small changes can add up to big differences, which we all know to be true.

So, do you think you can rise to the challenge and give up everything meaty for just one day a week? Remember to change your breakfast and lunch ideas too. The full English is out, as is the ham sandwich for lunch! But not only will you feel virtuous, you might actually be doing yourself good and helping to save the planet at the same time!

Lunch ideas

Ideas of evening meals