Mexican Lasagna
[Vegan, Gluten-Free]

Mexican Lasagna [Vegan, Gluten-Free]

Nothing says “Saturday Night Date Night” like Mexican Lasagna. After a Saturday morning at the Farmer’s Market, a satisfying Saturday evening meal with the family seems like the perfect day. Of course we eat out from time to time, but I know it’s a much better use of resources (both personally... Nothing says “Saturday Night Date Night” like Mexican Lasagna. After a Saturday morning at the Farmer’s Market, a satisfying Saturday evening meal with the family seems like the perfect day. Of course we eat out from time to time, but I know it’s a much better use of resources (both personally and environmentally) to eat our home-cooked meals. To quote the book The Food Revolution by John Robbins, “The U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Nutrition and Health says that two-thirds of U.S. mortality is diet-related.” He then states that the majority of Americans use advertising as their source of information about food followed by this juxtapositional statistic: “Amount spent annually by McDonald’s on advertising its products: $800 million Amount spent annually by the National Cancer Institute promoting fruits and vegetables: $1 million.” Jane Goodall’s book, Harvest for Hope, also points to the tremendous waste of water that occurs in most restaurants. She says, “Next time you go to a restaurant in America, for example, notice how many glasses, partially or even completely filled with undrunk water, are left on the tables when guests leave. Notice how waiters patrol endlessly to refill glasses, even after one has taken but a few sips.” Next she asks, “What will happen to the water if I do not drink it? It will probably be thrown out – without a thought.” I still go out to eat from time to time, but when I do I use these favorite Healthy/Green Dining tips: Choose restaurants that provide vegan or organic options – hopefully they’ll share the same passion for protecting the earth’s resources as you do. Tell your waiter that you’ll let him or her know if you need your water refilled, but be on the look-out because sometimes they’ll refill your glass out of habit. Don’t leave with another restaurant-supplied styrofoam container to carry home your leftovers only to be thrown away immediately after you use it. Bring your own container to cart out any leftovers. This idea was inspired by my friend, Elle, who always brings a sealable container in her bag. I’ve asked and most restaurants don’t mind at all! Choose your entrees wisely. As Michael Pollan advocates, “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” And if you find yourself at home on a Saturday and no plans for going out, you might enjoy our favorite Saturday Night Date Night meal, Mexican Lasagna. Just be sure not to let your significant other fill your water glass without your permission. Read More