I can't lie. After July 4th weekend, I felt a little carnivorous for a while. And I was feeling a little runned down among other things. I did a food diary on myself and I saw I was consuming more meat than I had before that weekend. So a few weeks ago, I decided to go "meatless before dinner except for Mondays. Right now on Mondays, I don't eat meat at all. Yes many times, I participate in "Meatless Monday". Whenever I do it on a consistent basis, I see gains in my energy & decreases in my weight. Well, Labor Day is coming up. Labor Day is always on a Monday. Well, I've pulled a couple of recipes & tips to help stay meatless on this holiday Monday. 
Ingredients
• 1 large globe eggplant (about 1 lb), sliced crosswise into 1/4-inch thick rounds
• Salt
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch slices
• 1 large beefsteak tomato
• 1 medium red onion
• 10-12 fresh basil leaves
• About 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 6 small burger buns
Directions
1. Line a large tray with paper towels. Lay out the rounds of eggplant on the tray in a single layer. Salt generously on both sides. Let sit while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Cut the tomato into 1/4 inch thick slices. Cut the red onion into 1/8 inch slices. Pour the two vinegars and a teaspoon of olive oil into a flat container such as a casserole dish. Sprinkle with a little salt and stir with a fork to combine. Lay the onions and tomatoes down in the container and turn to coat with the dressing.
3. Prepare your grill for high, direct heat. Make sure the grates are clean, and close the lid.
4. Once the eggplant slices have been sitting for at least 15 minutes, pat them dry with more paper towels. Use a pastry brush to paint them on both sides with olive oil. Lay the slices on the grill and grill them for about 3-4 minutes per side with the lid closed, until nicely browned. Remove from grill. Lightly toast the burger buns on the grill, for about 30 seconds to a minute, just enough to get lightly toasted.
5. To build the sandwich, set out your burger buns. Put two or three rounds of eggplant slices on top of the bottom bun. Then add a tomato slice and some red onion. Add a couple slice of the fresh mozzarella and top it with some basil leaves.
And before you add fries to that burger, try this side dish.
Ingredients
• 1/3 cup olive oil or cooking oil
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons snipped fresh basil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 12 ounces baby carrots with tops, peeled and trimmed
• 2 red and/or yellow sweet peppers
• 1/2 pound mushrooms
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
Directions
1. For vinaigrette, combine oil, lemon juice, basil, garlic, mustard, salt, and pepper in a screw-top jar. Cover and shake well. Set aside.
2. Cook green beans, covered, in a small amount of boiling water in a large saucepan for 4 minutes. Add carrots and cook, covered, for 8 minutes more or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Drain and rinse with cold water.
3. Cut shapes out of the sweet peppers, using a star-shape cutter. Place the green beans, carrots, sweet peppers, mushrooms, and tomatoes in a bag set in a large bowl. Pour vinaigrette over vegetables.
4. Seal bag, and refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours, turning the bag occasionally to distribute vinaigrette.
5. To serve, bring to room temperature. Drain vegetables; arrange on a platter.
If these don't wet your appetite, here are other foods you can eat on Meatless Monday the Labor Day Edition
- Grilled Fish
- Portabella Burgers
- Black Bean Burgers
- Vegan Skewers
Need some Tips for a Meatless Cookout (Found in this ARTICLE)
- Kabobs are a BBQ staple that make the perfect meatless entree. Add tofu cubes, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, roasted potatoes or just about any other vegetable that strikes your fancy
- Turn up the creativity and make delicious, smoky pizzas right on the grill. All you need is pizza dough, sauce and your favorite vegetables thinly sliced or pre-grilled.
- End the meal on a healthy note: include a tray of fresh fruit, a parfait or homemade smoothies.
Well, however you decide to celebrate Labor Day, I hope it is a safe say. Meatless or Meaty, let's keep it healthy as possible. Have a Happy Labor Day!!!
As Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms
