Flexitarian: Not a New Political Party

Cutting down on meat rather than completely eliminating it is a compromise that can benefit your body and the environment. The “flexitarian” eating approach involves consuming a mostly plant-based diet but occasionally supplementing with meat or animal products. 

This eating regimen is more flexible than a strict no-meat/animal products diet (hence the name), but it still offers many of the same health benefits as vegetarianism. A flexitarian’s diet consists mostly of whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. Eating the flexitarian way is what nutrition and health professionals have been recommending for years, whether they called it that or not. Really, how many times have you heard that you should eat less saturated fat, more whole grains, more fruits and vegetables, and more fiber? Yup—that’s a flexitarian diet. 

A diet made up of mostly plant-based foods has been shown to impart numerous health benefits. Studies show that people who eat less meat and dairy generally weigh less and are less likely to have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. In her book “The Flexitarian Diet,” Registered Dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner estimates that the average person could lose around 30 pounds in a six-12 month period by switching to a flexitarian eating plan. 

In addition to the health benefits of eating less animal protein, consuming a more plant-derived diet is also better for the environment. The industrial production of grain-fed livestock consumes a disproportionate amount energy, which has a negative impact on the environment.  A largely plant-based diet helps build a more sustainable planet. 

Additionally, I highly recommend Mark Bittman’s “Food Matters” if you are interested in learning more about how our current dietary norms affect climate change as well as the obesity epidemic. 

Any diet that steers clear of meat is often an easy target for the “But how do you get enough protein?” question. Because a flexitarian diet focuses on plant-based proteins such as beans, nuts and seeds, and still includes some animal protein, you will easily meet your daily protein requirements as long as you are consuming adequate calories.

Here’s how to get started. Like any other change you make, a gradual progression to a flexitarian diet is key. The beauty of this style of eating is that it is so doable—even for the most carnivorous among us. It is as easy as replacing one meal a week with a vegetarian meal, and going from there. You will want to make a list of some easily thrown-together meatless meal ideas and also find and file vegetarian recipes that you would like to try. Keep in mind that you likely will have to try a variety of different meatless foods and recipes to find ones that appeal to you.

A flexitarian eating style is a great way to start eating better without drastically changing your diet. And the possible “side effects” of eating less meat—weight loss, improved overall health, and, possibly, a longer life—are welcome, too.