Flexitarian Diet: The Best of Both Worlds
If you want to experience most of the benefits of vegetarianism without completely cutting out meat from your diet, you’re in luck! Even in today's world of fad diets, The flexitarian Diet stands out in a league of its own.
The concept of Flextarianism is pretty simple: eat mostly plant-based foods, but do so in moderation.
1. What is the Flexitarian Diet?
Aka semi-vegetarianism, the flexitarian diet is an "almost" meat-free alternative to veganism and vegetarianism. Flexitarianism (= flexible vegetarianism) allows for eating mostly plants but includes some animal products.
Although you can still enjoy meat products every now and again, the flexitarian diet emphasizes whole foods rather than processed meats or refined grains. It allows you to enjoy more delicious foods without feeling like you're missing out on anything!
As such, many people have been following this kind of diet for years, often without even realizing it.
Flexitarianism has been around for decades, but in recent years, it's become more popular thanks to rising awareness of the health benefits of cutting down on meat consumption.
What foods can I eat on a flexitarian diet?
There are no official guidelines for flexitarian diets, but they typically include small amounts of animal products such as eggs, dairy and fish alongside plant-based foods. Flexitarians can eat all kinds of plant-based foods including fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts. They might also eat eggs from free-range hens or dairy products from grass-fed cows if they choose to include those in their diet. Flexitarians avoid processed foods that contain artificial additives and added sugars but may not be as concerned about organic produce as vegans or vegetarians would be because they don't abstain from all animal products (except honey).
2. Flexitarian Diet Pros and Cons
The flexitarian diet is the best of both worlds. It combines the health benefits of a vegetarian diet with the convenience of an omnivorous one. The flexitarian diet is a plant-based diet that includes meat and fish. This flexible approach to eating makes it easier for people to meet their health goals while still enjoying the foods they love. This means that you'll have more energy throughout the day and won't feel sluggish after meals like some people do when they cut out all animal products from their diet. Another perk of being a flexitarian is that it's easy on your wallet since it can be relatively cheaper than other types of diets such as veganism or vegetarianism.
Many people choose to follow this kind of diet to reduce their carbon footprint or improve their health. And while there are many benefits to flexitarianism, there are also some drawbacks that you should know about before making any decisions. Depending on the quantity and frequency of their meat intake, flexitarians may be prone to protein, iron, and vitamin B12 deficiency. Deficiencies of other minerals, such as zinc and calcium, and fats (omega-3) can occur as well. Also, due to carbs potentially high intake, flexitarians should keep an eye on their blood sugar levels.
3. Is the Flexitarian Diet Right for You?
The Flexitarian diet is a relatively healthy way to eat. The flexitarian diet could be successful for most of us, compared to other stricter diets. The diet focuses on vegetables and whole grains, but allows for occasional meat and dairy products, which can help you feel more satisfied with your food choices. However, this doesn't mean that you should go out and consume meat every day.
If you're looking to follow the Flexitarian diet, here are some things to consider. Maybe you should have some experience with vegetarianism before attempting this type of diet. If you're not used to eating this way, you may have trouble adjusting at first. Also, flexitarians aren't necessarily healthier than other people. While eating mostly plants will certainly improve your health, it's important to remember that eating too many processed foods or animal products will negatively impact your body over time.
4. Conclusion
To sum up flexitarianism, it is a way to enjoy a plant-based diet without giving up meat. Instead of being 100% plant based or 100% meat based, which can be more difficult and challenging, a flexitarian diet allows you to include both in your daily meals. If you are looking for more information about the flexitarian diet, please feel free to use our site as a jumping off point, where we have a bunch of helpful articles on how to start a Flexitarian diet and some really good recipes to try.
