Beyoncé’s health and fitness regime has always been a topic of fascination with her followers eager to replicate her physique. Known for her impeccable figure in addition to her music and the upcoming Cowboy Cater tour, it’s unsurprising that fans are eager to learn as many of her diet secrets as they can.

In January 2019, the world-famous mother-of-three shared a glimpse into her routine on Instagram, revealing she practices “meatless Mondays” as part of her commitment to a healthier lifestyle. She encouraged her fans to think about this habit, too, for various reasons.

Beyoncé is not fully vegan but often opts for healthier breakfast choices such as smoothies, oatmeal, muffins and wraps. She admits that these plant-based meals are some of her favourites.

The concept of “meatless Mondays” isn’t entirely new. It has gained momentum over time, and has been endorsed by several celebrities. Wellness dietitian Angela Snyder from Houston Methodist claimed that increasing the amount of plant-based proteins in our diets has significant advantages, reports the Mirror.

Snyder said: “For starters, we know that plant proteins are more environmentally sustainable than their animal meat counterparts. Second, eating a plant-based diet comes with many health benefits.

Meat-free meals don't have to be a daunting experience. They can actually be quite tasty with some planning.
Meat-free meals don’t have to be a daunting experience. They can actually be quite tasty with some planning. (Image: Getty)

“Meatless Mondays is simply about shifting your mindset and actively choosing to incorporate more plant-based proteins into your diet so you can reap the benefits they provide. It’s not something many of us are used to doing, so starting by going meatless just once per week is really approachable for most people.”

This statement underlines that it’s all about a small but meaningful change in dietary habits, making it an easy step for individuals to take. Eating less meat has been linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Since plant-based diets typically involve fewer calories and fat, it could also support weight loss efforts.

Consuming meats like beef, pork, and lamb in moderation is advised due to their risk for heart disease. Red meats tend to be rich in saturated fat, which can heighten levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol.

While the idea is named Meatless Mondays, the choice of day doesn’t have to be fixed; you can go meat-free on any day. Experts point out that many people are more inclined to engage in healthier practices at the beginning of the week, which they often view as a chance for a physical reset.

Planning vegetarian meals may seem daunting at first, yet integrating plant proteins like seeds, nuts, legumes, and certain grains can be quite straightforward and tasty. The Meatless Monday movement has posted many recipes on its website, including meals and snacks. If you find a favourite ingredient to cook with, you can also filter by specific ingredients.

It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before making major changes to your diet or lifestyle to ensure they’re right for you. Cutting down on meat consumption can be advantageous health-wise, but maintaining your protein intake is crucial for overall health and well-being.