Those of us that wish to build ever-growing cash flow and wealth would do well to take a minimalist approach to life once in a while. We all try to keep spending in check, but I think it would be useful to try some positive challenges on minimalism once in a while.
So, here’s a sporadic series of articles outlining some challenges that we can take to improve our financial situation and even more importantly to increase our appreciation of other aspects of life.
Minimalist Challenge #2
Minimalist challenge number two is to skip all meat for one day per week.
Meat is usually one of the more expensive foods per pound that people buy. And some meat, especially processed, conventional meat, is not particularly healthy. In addition, eating meat has various debatable ethical and environmental effects which won’t be addressed in a financial blog. Therefore, the second minimalist challenge is to not eat meat for a week and to focus on eating healthy. Increase the amount of fruit, vegetables, and legumes you eat, and try to cook healthy meals each night.
The Rules:
-Pretty simple- don’t eat any meat one day out of each week.
The Tips:
-Protein is not so hard to get. It can be readily found in grains, nuts, and beans.
-Iron and Calcium are worth watching out for on a vegetarian diet, but it’s not a big deal if it’s only one day per week.
-Try out some new pastas. Consider some veggie/tofu stir fry. There are a variety of tasty and meatless food options.
Final Remarks:
-This is not mostly about the few dollars you’ll save by avoiding meat for a week (or pressing a sinister vegetarian agenda). A lot of people seem to assume that meat must be eaten at every major meal, or at least at every dinner meal, and this view is kind of odd and unhealthy. Instead, this challenge is about exploring a variety of options, since after all, our health and fitness level eventually do affect our wealth in one way or another.
Matt,
I think this is a great idea. I routinely go two to three days in a row without eating meat, then have meat for lunch or dinner only to go another few days without it. My purpose for this action is a combination of saving money, as well as maintaining my health and lowering my carbon footprint (even locally grown meat is inherently bad for the environment.)
You mention the need to mix amino acids and look for essential minerals from other sources, though I doubt a one week avoidance of meat will likely increase risk for deficiencies. It’s definitely a good thought, however, if you choose to begin decreasing the amount of meat in one’s diet on a habitual basis.
Thanks for not only blogging about finance, but also the implications on our world and our health, as well.