Do you enjoy a plant-based diet, with the odd portion of meat every now and then? Then you could call yourself a flexitarian!
Added to the dictionary in 2012, a flexitarian diet is a relatively new diet concept. It relates to a mostly vegetarian diet, with the occasional inclusion of meat. Hence the ‘flexi’ part of the word, which stands for ‘flexible vegetarian’.
Why do people become flexitarians?
Like vegetarians, flexitarians have different reasons for adopting the eating regime. Some steer clear of meat for health reasons (and will add it to their diet for the same reasons, such as during menstruation when women need an extra boost of iron).
Many flexitarians eat a plant-based diet for ethical reasons. And so when they do sample animal products, they strive to source it ethically.
How often do flexitarians eat meat?
Just as reasons for adopting a flexitarian diet differ, so too do the instances when they eat meat. ‘Occasional’ may mean once a week to one person, and a few times a year to another.
That’s where the flexible component comes in – it really is down to your personal preferences to eat animal products when and how it suits you. You may choose to start with just one meat-free day a week, gradually increasing it. Or you might only eat meat before or after a certain time of the day. You may limit meat to special occasions – or when the mood strikes.
Should I become a flexitarian?
As with all eating regimes, you should chat with a health professional (such as a nutritionist or dietican) before excluding certain foods from your diet. It’s important if you do become flexitarian to replace meat with plants that are packed with iron and other essential nutrients.
So why consider going flexitarian? Here are some benefits to consider:
- Save money: Meat can be expensive, but eating food fresh from the farm can be cheaper.
- Be an ethical consumer: As more reports highlight the mistreatment of farmed animals, avoiding meat can provide peace of mind that you aren’t ‘feeding the machine’ so to speak.
- Healthier diet: When you swap meat for other protein sources, you may find your health improve. It’s a no-brainer – including more beans, grains, lentils, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables is only going to benefit your body. Just watch out for the temptation to fill up on simple carbohydrates and sugary snacks when you remove meat from your diet.
- Lose weight: Research has shown that vegetarians/flexitarians tend to weigh less than their meat-eating friends, because they take in fewer calories and have lower body fat. They also tend to fill up on lower-calorie foods such as vegetables.
- Happier heart: Studies have also found that a flexitarian diet can reduce the risk of high cholesterol and heart disease. It has also been found to help manage diabetes.
