Give Thanks by Fighting Hunger with Meatless Monday

As most Americans prepare to stuff their bellies beyond good measure this Thursday, I see the usual calls in the news to volunteer at a food bank to fight hunger or to help feed the homeless. I myself spent one Thanksgiving serving out food to homeless folks at a soup kitchen in San Diego, feeling good that I was doing my part before going home to overindulge (albeit of the vegetarian variety).

Yet it bears mentioning again and again, until the message is known as solid fact, that the best way to fight hunger is to adopt a vegetarian diet. Feeding grain to animals that we then slaughter and eat is an incredibly inefficient way to nourish oneself.

Every day forty thousand children on this planet needlessly starve to death. Crops that could be used to feed the hungry are instead being used to fatten animals raised for food. If everyone on Earth received 25 percent of his or her calories from animal products, only 3.2 billion people could be nourished. If everyone ate a vegetarian diet, there would be more than enough food to nourish the world's entire population of more than 6.3 billion people. (1)

Even going meatless on Mondays is a huge help. To put it in terms of resources, the water needs of livestock are huge, far above those of vegetables or grains. An estimated 1,800 to 2,500 gallons of water go into a single pound of beef. Additionally, about 40 calories of fossil fuel energy go into every calorie of feed lot beef in the U.S. (compared to 2.2 calories of fossil fuel for plant-based protein). (2)

Worried about getting enough protein? Fear not, the latest USDA statistics show that men in the U.S. consume as much as 190% of their recom¬mended daily allowance of protein, while women eat as much as 160%. (2) Americans derive the major¬ity of their protein from meat and other animal sources.

The World Health Organization recommends that men and women obtain 5% of their calories as pro¬tein. Only five percent! This would mean 38 grams of protein for a man burning 3000 calories a day and 29 grams for a woman using 2300 calories a day. This quantity of protein is impossible to avoid when daily calo¬rie needs are met by unrefined starches and vegetables. For example, rice alone would provide 71 grams of highly usable protein and white potatoes would provide 64 grams of protein.

In short, protein deficiency is very rare, even in full-time vegetarians. As long as you’re eating enough calories to maintain a healthy weight, and following the FDA’s healthy diet guidelines, you’re almost certain to get enough protein.

So, make a statement by foregoing the turkey this Thursday, wherever you are celebrating Thanksgiving. Arm yourself with facts, or even one to titillate your fellow diners. Going meatless is not only great for the hungry, the animals, the earth, and you, it's can be fun!

Now enjoy 20% off selected veggie meats in chill and frozen every Monday at Down to Earth in celebration and support of Meatless Monday!

If you're planning a picnic for Thanksgiving, here's a simple recipe you can supplement with meatless slices or tofu.

Garden Pasta Salad (3)

Ingredients
• 4 qts. water
• 1-10-12oz. pkg. tri-color rotini pasta
• 1 C. chopped broccoli
• 1 C. snow peas, trimmed
• 1 C. chopped cauliflower
• 1 C. sliced mushrooms
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced
• 2 oz. jar chopped pimentos, drained
• ¾ C. cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• ¾ - 1 C. oil-free Italian dressing
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
1. Bring the water to a boil and add the pasta. Return to boil and cook, uncovered, for 6 minutes. Rinse under cool water and set aside.
2. Place the broccoli, cauliflower, and snow peas in a steamer basket. Steam over boiling water for 4 to 5 minutes, until tender-crisp.
3. Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Toss to mix well. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

*I like to add cubed raw tofu to the final product for a protein punch. You can also substitute a creamier dressing to please most kids' palates.

When you give thanks before eating your meal this Thursday, contemplate all the costs of your meal, and what you shall do with this great blessing.

Today's Thankful Veggie Quote: (4)

"Plant-based foods taste better because we feel better eating them and contemplating their origins. Eating slowly, we enjoy contemplating the organic orchards and gardens that supply the vegetables, fruits and grains we are eating. We are grateful for the connection we feel with the earth, clouds, gardeners, and the seasons. In contrast, eating animal foods is often done quickly, without feeling deeply into the source of the food; for who would want to contemplate the utter hells that produce our factory-farmed meat?"

Dr. Will Tuttle
Author of The World Peace Diet