Need a healthy reason to do something good for the planet? How about going a day without meat?

March 20 marks Meatout Day when many around the world will make a conscious effort not to add meat to their meals.

In Bermuda, the Vegetarian Society of Bermuda marks the day as a time to encourage people to go meat free even if it’s just for one day a week.

“We ask that people cut back on eating meat which can benefit from an ecological and health standpoint.” says Nicole Stovell, spokesperson for the Vegetarian Society.

Along with promoting the environmental benefits of cutting back on meat, the Society also hopes to clear up any misconceptions about what it means to be completely meat free.

“This is a great opportunity for us to ensure that people understand that going meat free means eliminating all meat from your diet. In Bermuda, some people don’t constitute some animals as meat, including fish and sometimes chicken, but we want people to understand that Meatout Day means cutting out all meat.”

This year the Vegetarian Society in collaboration with culinary nutritionist Ashley Tucker will be hosting a Meatout Day takeout dinner at Bermy Cuisine on March 16. Options include barbecue meatless balls and mushroom burger. Those interested in taking part are asked to pre-order their meal by email at ashley[AT]ashtucker.com.

If you want to try your own meatless meals at home for Meatout Day and beyond, try out this vegan-friendly recipe.

Vegan egg-free salad

1 package firm or extra non-silken firm tofu

3 tablespoon minced dill pickle

1 minced green onion

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

¼ teaspoon paprika

¼ teaspoon turmeric

freshly ground pepper (to taste)

3-6 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise spread such as Vegenaise (to taste)

Directions:

Press the tofu by draining it, cutting it in half horizontally, and blotting dry; line a plate with a folded lint-free dishtowel or several layers of paper towels and set the tofu on the towel; cover the tofu with paper towels or a small cutting board and put several cans of food or other weight on top; let sit for at least 15 minutes, changing the towels as they become saturated.

Crumble tofu with your hands into a bowl (Note: make it as chunky or as fine as you want).

Add dill pickle, onion, mustard, paprika, turmeric and pepper.

Add enough vegan mayonnaise spread to get the consistency you like; mix well.

Refrigerate until ready to use. Tastes even better the next day.

Recipe adapted from www.meatoutmondays.org.

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For more information about the Vegetarian Society of Bermuda email vsbda1[AT]yahoo.com