The rise of plant-based diets and vegetarianism has been the talk of the town for the past few years. Many people are starting to shift towards a more plant-based lifestyle for ethical, environmental, and health reasons, and we cannot blame them. But for those who cannot choose between being vegetarian or being a meat eater, a flexitarian diet may be the way to go. What is a flexitarian diet? It is a diet that is primarily plant-based but still allows you to consume animal products in moderation. It's a happy middle ground that can benefit your health, the planet, and your conscience. In this blog post, we will dive deeper into the flexitarian diet and how it can help you achieve a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.
The benefit of a flexitarian diet is that it's flexible. It’s not as strict as vegetarianism, which can be a challenge if you’re used to eating meat. A flexitarian diet allows you to eat animal products but encourages you to consume them in moderation. This way, you get the best of both worlds while still reducing your carbon footprint, avoiding processed food, and eating a healthy, balanced diet.
The increase in plant-based foods in your diet can provide you with extra vitamins, minerals, and fibre. It also reduces the intake of saturated fats, which can lead to heart issues, and provides your body with enough proteins. Plant-based proteins have been found to be healthier than animal proteins, with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Incorporating more beans, legumes, and vegetables into your diet gives you all the protein and nutrients you need to stay healthy, active, and energized.
The flexitarian diet is perfect for gym goers and fitness enthusiasts alike. The diet helps you avoid the bloated feeling that occurs when you consume high-fat meals, which can cause discomfort during exercise. The energy boosts you get from consuming more plant-based foods lead to a better workout and can improve your endurance. Plant-based diets are also best for building lean muscle, losing fat, and keeping healthy energy levels throughout the day.
People who have tried out the flexitarian diet report that it feels more like a lifestyle rather than a diet. You don't have to restrict yourself from certain foods or count your calories, which can lead to feeling deprived and craving unhealthy foods. Instead, the diet lets you make healthier choices while still enjoying a fulfilling whole-food diet that you enjoy. Incorporating flexitarianism into your life is a way to create positive habits that can last a lifetime.
In conclusion, the flexitarian diet is an excellent way to benefit from a plant-based diet without fully eliminating your meats. It can improve your health, aid in weight loss, increase your energy levels, and reduce your carbon footprint. It's important to keep in mind that the flexitarianism diet isn't one-size-fits-all, and everyone's choices and individual requirements are different. Ensure that you research and plan out your meals to ensure you’re receiving all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that your body needs. Try incorporating more beans, legumes, and vegetables alongside small, organic, and sustainably sourced meat products. By doing so, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of the flexitarian diet while keeping the best of both worlds. Enjoy your new journey and be sure to choose sustainable, locally sourced ingredients that are good for your body and the planet.
