Post written by Leo Babauta. Follow me on twitter or identica.

Faithful reader and commenter Ann M. wrote recently about her new habit of going meatless for one day a week:

During Lent, I didn’t eat any meat on Fridays. It didn’t bother me too much because I don’t eat that much meat anyways because it’s tough to cook meat for one person! My plan is to continue this habit of no meat on Friday’s even though Lent is over. While it’s not being vegetarian, it’s still (generally) healthier than eating meat again. I actually did this for a little while last year too I think.

This is similar to how I became a vegetarian, and it’s a great idea. Many of you have gone a day or two without eating meat before, I’m sure … you might eat at an Indian restaurant and try some of their spicy and delicious dishes … or even try a vegetarian restaurant now and then. If you have, you know that there are a lot of very tasty dishes that don’t require meat. My favorite soup is vegan, as is my favorite chili recipe, and I make some great stir-frys, fried brown rice, and tacos. My sister and brother-in-law recently made some great vegetarian Greek food for us. Yum! The list is endless.

So if you’re looking for a way to eat healthier, but have a hard time “dieting”, try going one day a week without eating meat. It’ll cut back on the amount of cholesterol and saturated fat you’re taking in, increase the fiber, nutrients and healthy fats, and slim down your waste while adding to your lifespan.

Sound interesting? Here are some tips: