Eating a variety of vegetables brings interesting, new flavors to the table. It’s also a delicious way to get a wide range of nutrients in your diet. March is the beginning of spring. It's a great time to celebrate the Great American Meatout and explore a healthy, animal-friendly diet. According to the American Dietetic Association March is also National Nutrition Month – so get started if you haven’t already!

Ingredients:

1 large eggplant, chopped
2 Tbs. olive oil
3/4 lb. large fresh mushrooms, quartered
1 orange bell pepper, seeded, cored & diced
1 green bell pepper, seeded, cored & diced
1/3 red onion, chopped
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/8 tsp. black pepper
4 large flour tortillas
1/2 cup hummus
1/3 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro
12 large fresh basil & fresh leaves

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet; sauté eggplant, mushrooms and bell peppers over medium-high heat until tender.
2. Combine vegetables, onions, lemon juice and black pepper in medium bowl.
3. Place tortillas on non-stick skillet and heat both sides about 1 minute or until warm.
4. Spoon 1/4 of hummus, 1/4 of herbs, and 1/4 of vegetables down center of each tortilla.
5. Roll to enclose filling and serve immediately.

For great veg recipes, visit www.Meatout.org!

Finally, you can feel good about indulging in the flavors of one of your favorite comfort foods… Mac & Chreese! Made by Road’s End Organics, Mac & Chreese is completely organic, dairy-free and cholesterol-free. Available in many varieties such as Whole Wheat Elbow Macaroni, Semolina Shells, Number Shaped Noodles 4 Kidz, and much more, this easy-to-prepare meal is both delicious and nutritious. Look for it in your nearest natural foods store.

Road’s End Organics is committed to providing healthy, delicious alternatives to some of America’s favorite comfort foods. In addition to their mission of preserving resources, growing organic foods, and having compassion for all living creatures, they are concerned with feeding the growing number of people with food allergies. They are long-time supporters of veg causes and are one of the sponsors of this year’s Great American Meatout.

For more product & nutritional information, visit www.RoadsEndOrganics.com!

The latest survey release by the School Nutrition Association has shown that more U.S. students, particularly in kindergarten through 12th grade, are shifting to healthy diets and rejecting junk foods. The study of data collected between 1998 and 2006 revealed that students now prefer eating carrots and fresh vegetables instead of the usual french fries.

A growing body of scientific evidence reveals that a healthy, vegetarian diet is linked with lower levels of cholesterol, blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity. In an effort to determine which factors influence people to become vegetarian, British scientists conducted a long-term study of more than 8,000 individuals. In 2006, the scientists revealed a high IQ as a child is significantly linked to being a vegetarian as an adult.

To read the full article, click here!

Albert and Medeana Hobar promote better nutrition, compassion, and delicious food. Compelled by their desire to offer natural, chemical-free food options to others, the couple opened The Web of Life Natural Foods Market in Westlake, OH seven years ago.

Twelve years ago, Albert was an overweight construction worker. When he decided to go vegetarian, he lost 70 pounds! He’s now a talented organic farmer, selling only organic fruits and vegetables in The Web of Life Market. Believing everyone can make a difference in the world, Medeana educates her customers about vegetarian diet.

This month, in honor of the Great American Meatout, The Web of Life Natural Foods Market will promote the joys and benefits of a plant-based diet! Albert and Medeana will set up an in-store Meatout display and offer meat-alternative samples at their vegan deli.

To know more about The Web of Life, visit www.WebOfLifeWestlake.com!

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Meatout Mondays is published each week by:
FARM - Farm Animal Reform Movement
10101 Ashburton Ln Bethesda, MD 20817
info@meatoutmondays.org

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