[caption id="" align="alignright" width="350" caption="Vegetarian tacos by madprime, on Flickr"]

[/caption]As much as you may wish there was a Margarita Monday, “Meatless Monday” is being served up around the globe in homes and restaurants alike. That’s right! Meat lovers, please don’t consider this day as a kind of punishment because in actuality, Meatless Monday is an international campaign and movement with the goal of increasing your health and helping the environment.Founded in 2003, the program’s popularity and roster of participants continues to grow strong to this day. According to the Meatless Monday website, “Going meatless once a week may reduce your risk of chronic preventable conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. It can also help reduce your carbon footprint and save precious resources like fresh water and fossil fuel.” There is little questioning the fact that reducing the consumption of meat has many health benefits and not only that, it truly helps us move away from the mundane and experiment with new exciting flavors and ingredients in the kitchen.You’re favorite celebrities, chefs, bloggers, neighbors and schools are already a part of the initiative. Notable names include Giada De Laurentis, Denise Richards, James Cameron, Russell Simmons, Marilu Hunner, Robin Roberts, Padma Lakshmi, Sir Paul McCartney and Jessica Simpson (just to name a few!). Many of these advocates share healthy meatless recipes with their audiences.Watch more about Meatless Monday here

And lucky you, if you don’t know your way around your own kitchen, there are many Meatless Monday participating restaurants. The Tender Greens and Lime Fresh are among some chains that are participants.See the full list here.Restaurant owners, have you considered joining the campaign? Share your Meatless Monday menu with us!