Mondays can be hard.  It’s the day you realize the weekend is over. Maybe you’re recovering from a long run, or realizing you didn’t finish your to-do list. However, with every Monday comes a new week to start a new habit, try a new food, or engage in a fresh start.

As I think of my overall diet, I try to be more of a plant-based eater. I love every fruit and vegetable that has grown on this earth. I have no issues with animal protein, however, vegetables, beans, legumes, and whole grains provide the body with reliable energy, protein, and fiber (and good sources of vitamins & minerals). Therefore, I try to make every Monday a “Meatless Monday”. I was inspired to begin this habit after working with a cool vegetarian RD, Janice Cochran.

NOTICE: Switching to a vegetarian diet does not automatically make you healthier. It is important to have the right balance of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, fats, protein, vitamins & minerals (and hey, talking to a great dietitian can also help you out)!

Janice, has been a vegetarian for years and started because of environmental beliefs. I, on the other hand, eat like a om-nom-nomnivore – I eat a wide variety of foods, but try to make most of them plant-based. I encourage you to go meatless for a meal a week, a day, or a couple months!

My go-to meatless Monday meal is “cauliflower” rice & beans!

Serves 4 – 6 people

What you will need:

• head of cauliflower
• 2 cans of Caribbean Black Beans
• 1 jar of salsa 
• 2 bell peppers
• 1 onion
• olive oil, canola oil, coconut oil – which ever you cook with!

Directions

1. Dice bell peppers & onions.  Heat a medium/large sized pan.
2. Soften the veggies in the pan with the oil of your choosing
3.  After you “rice” your cauliflower, add to the pan
4. Add the cans of black beans and 3/4 – full jar of salsa
5. Enjoy

This is a great side dish or main entree. I add more spice by squirting Sriracha on top of it!

Now go & have a delightful rest of your week!

-Cinnamon