Molly-fied Meatless Monday

Don’t run for the hills yet my carnivorous brothers and sisters!  I’m not a vegetarian, nor am I trying to convince you to completely give up your meaty ways.  I believe in eating a balanced diet.  It is January after all, land of New Year’s resolutions and diets promises.  Don’t go for the hardcore, impossible to sustain diet plans.  Ditch the word diet all together and opt for changing your eating habits.  That is what will lead you to a healthier and sexier you.

Taking one day a week (doesn’t have to be a Monday) that you skip the meat is a perfect path to achieving those goals.  It will do your body good. I promise you will not starve and there are tons of amazing protein alternatives that are incredibly yummy.  Below is a sample vegetarian menu I shared with Glamour for the day as well as the recipe for my favorite green soup from Gavan Murphy, one of my favorite health minded chefs.

Breakfast

Rethink eggs and yogurt for breakfast.  Mix it up and eat a veggie soup.  If you miss your daily yogurt, there are now scrumptious soy and almond versions.  Sprinkled with fresh berries, a few walnuts and chia seeds.  Chia seeds are high in fiber and contain protein.

Lunch

Everyday supermodel salad with all the veggie fixin’s (tomatoes, a few slices of avocados, crunchy carrots, and a sprinkle of sunflower seeds) a few beans for added protein, and a light drizzle of olive oil/balsamic vinaigrette.

Dinner

Quinoa lentil salad for dinner with vegetable consommé’ or a squash or zucchini noodle pasta.

Snacks

Graze on carrots or a green apple with a touch of almond butter.

Ready to give meatless Mondays a try?  Why don’t you start with this amazing soup from Chef Gavan:

Green Veggie Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 cups raw broccoli
• 1 head kale (stems removed)
• 1 bag spinach
• 2 garlic cloves
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

Put everything except the spinach in a soup pot and bring to a boil.  Cook, partially covered with a lid for 15 minutes or until broccoli is softened.  Blend in batches while adding fresh spinach.  Return to pot once blended and add more broth or water to desired consistency.  This soup can also be made with chicken broth.  Taste and season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and even a teaspoon of grated Parmesan.  As my baby, Brooks, would say, “Num, num!”

You can find more recipes, fashion, beauty and wellness tips in my new book, The Everyday Supermodel, available for purchase now!