The eating plan called the flexitarian diet has been created especially for meat lovers who may want to lighten up their diet a bit, and for vegetarians who are sometimes craving a good burger. There is also a book on this very subject, written by Dawn Jackson Blatner and called The Flexitarian Diet. However, people should know from the get-go that the “diet” in its name doesn’t mean that this is one of those classic plans that you hear about everywhere. It’s more of a lifestyle that is not at all difficult to follow, hence the “flex” in the name. In this article, we will tell you what is a flexitarian diet and how can you follow it.
The main idea of this plan is that you are a flexible vegetarian. So, apart from eating the well-known foods that are allowed in a vegetarian diet like fruit, vegetables, quinoa, or tofu, you are also allowed to eat a little bit of meat occasionally. And while this diet is very flexible, there are some rules that you need to follow to make sure it works. The flexitarian diet is more about prioritizing dishes that are rich in vegetables and not about cutting off meat consumption completely. It’s a thin line, but many do not know about it.
Pros of a flexitarian diet
Everything that you and the environment gain from following a strictly vegetarian diet also translates into a flexitarian diet. A vegetarian lifestyle can lower your risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and even cardiovascular disease. Vegetarians also have a lower BMI than meat-eaters. Moreover, since you will be eating small quantities of meat in this diet, you will still get enough amounts of nutrients and protein like iron or B Vitamins.
Apart from this, this diet is well, flexible, so it’s very easy to follow it. This is one of the main reasons why so many people prefer it. It may be difficult for someone who likes to count their calories religiously but other than that; it’s an easy eating plan that will rapidly become a part of who you are.
Cons of a flexitarian diet
Things get tough when you are a convinced carnivore and need to change your eating habits. These people will get hungry immediately, especially in the beginning, when they are not satisfied with anything else but meat. This is why they need to take it step by step and look for protein from plant-based sources. It’s also important to search for calcium and Vitamin D-enhanced dairy products and nut milk. Apart from this, if you are someone with an iron deficiency, follow a vegetarian diet for two or three days a week only.
Summing it all up
In conclusion, vegetarians might see people who follow the flexitarian diet like cheaters. But that is not at all the case. It’s simply a way to make sure that you are following healthier eating habits without restricting yourself so much. So, what did you think about our answers to the question what is a flexitarian diet? Are you willing to try it now? Tell us what you think down below!
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