Five Reasons to Celebrate ‘Eat Your Vegetables’ Day
June 17 is National “Eat Your Vegetables” Day—my second favorite holiday after Christmas … and Easter … and … well, hey, it’s a cool day anyway! Every day is “Eat Your Vegetables” Day at my house. Here are five reasons why you should celebrate it every day too:
1. Eating veggies saves animals. Each vegan saves more than 100 animals every year.
2. Mom was right—veggies are good for you. Unlike meat, eggs, and dairy products, veggies are cholesterol-free, low in saturated fat and calories, and high in fiber and other essential nutrients. Check out these super veggies and fruits.
3. Veggies are green. I’m not talking just spinach, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. According to a 2010 United Nations report, meat and dairy products gobble up far more resources and pump out far more greenhouse gasses than plant-based foods.
4. Vegetables—and fruits, beans, rice, tofu, and other versatile vegan foods—generally cost less than animal-based products. And since they’re healthful, you’ll have less of a chance of having to shell out money for statins, blood pressure pills, and weight loss plans.
5. Plants can feed the world. A 10-acre farm can support 60 people by growing soy, 24 people by growing wheat, or 10 people by growing corn—but only two by raising cattle. If we stop funneling crops through animals, we’ll have more food for humans.
So celebrate National “Eat Your Vegetables” Day by making veggie fajitas, pasta primavera, grilled vegetables, or another delicious veggie-based dish. Bon appétit!
Written by Heather Moore
