I've long been a guilty meat lover—enjoying it nearly every day while feeling pangs of remorse when thinking about the animals' lives. It's not the taste I question, but their welfare before slaughter. Many share this conflict. Rather than going fully vegetarian, why not simply eat less meat? Studies show Dutch consumption could drop significantly, reducing production needs.
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As a nutrition enthusiast and parent, I know I'm not alone. In the Netherlands, average daily meat intake hits 100 grams—far exceeding the Nutrition Center's 500 grams weekly recommendation. Excess meat harms health and the environment, yet it remains a meal staple for most.
A recent RIVM report confirms Dutch adults overconsume meat while skimping on fruits and vegetables. It's easy to assume you're balanced until checking the fridge: mine often hides chicken fillets with an empty fruit bowl.
Read also: The HelloFresh Family Box – it's no use to me anymore
We push veggies on kids but struggle ourselves. My husband resists, making family meals tricky—though we haven't hit that stage yet. How do you get children to eat greens? 'Clean your plate' helps, but what vegetarian options appeal?
Many hesitate on meatless meals, especially families. Men cling to meat: HelloFresh research reveals 78% would forgo beer forever before meat. Women favor ditching sweets. Yet two-thirds of women see tasty meat alternatives—and they're right.
Read also: Tasty, healthy and vegetarian: kids love plaice
Vegetarian doesn't mean missing meat. Swap mince for mushrooms in pasta, or add eggs to spinach instead of chicken. Longtime vegetarian Joyce skips tofu but loves veggie burgers topped with onion, tomato, and mayo—indistinguishable at parties.
Green Monday means one extra-veggie, meat-free day weekly—not a one-off like Blue Monday. Like 'meatball Wednesday,' but greener.
Struggling to start? HelloFresh's Green Monday offers inspiration via www.hellofresh.nl/groenmondag: news, tips, recipes. Use code GREENEMAANDAG2017 by April 15 for 20% off a veggie test box. Share #greenmonday dishes for prizes and ideas.
I tried HelloFresh's veggie test box: three meat- and fish-free meals with eggs, cheese, and greens. Simple, tasty—even hubby might approve.
Delivery was precise, as always. The box brimmed like a greengrocer's: pearl couscous with mushrooms caught my eye—easy 'comfort food' even my carnivore would like.
It was simple and delicious. Pearl couscous's bite satisfied meat lovers. Walnuts and cheese perfected it—no meat missed, though hubby mentioned bacon once (saved for tomorrow). He cleared his plate—high praise. This stays in rotation: Green Monday works for carnivores too.
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