Los Angeles passes resolution to encourage meatless meals on Mondays

LOS ANGELES - We've seen the war waged on trans-fat and soda in major cities like New York City.  It's West Coast counterpart is  fighting the obesity epidemic in its own way by proposing "Meatless Mondays" in city restaurants.

The Los Angeles council voted 14-0 to adopt a resolution that would encourage residents to take a pledge to have a meatless meal every Monday, according to The Daily News.

This isn't becoming a law, there's no way to get in trouble if you eat a burger or chow down on a hotdog on a Monday.  But council members hope it will become a trend where people not only eat healthier, they also support local, sustainable farmers.

"We can reduce saturated fats and reduce the risk of heart disease by 19 percent," Coucilwoman Jan Perry told The Daily News.  "While this is a symbolic gesture, it is asking people to think about the food choices they make.  Eating less meat can reverse some of our nation's most common illnesses."

The "Meatless Mondays" proposal was developed by the Food Policy Council.