Flexitarian Diet

Definition

The Flexitarian Diet is a style of eating that primarily emphasizes plant-based foods while allowing for moderate consumption of meat and other animal products.

Scientific / Technical Definition

The Flexitarian Diet is a semi-vegetarian dietary pattern that focuses on increasing the intake of plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, while reducing meat consumption without completely eliminating it. It aims to provide the benefits of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets, emphasizing nutrient-dense foods and flexibility.

Benefits

• May improve overall health by reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
• Can support weight loss or maintenance by promoting calorie control through plant-based meals.
• Encourages a higher intake of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals from increased consumption of fruits and vegetables.
• Potentially better for the environment through a reduced carbon footprint compared to a diet high in animal products.

Examples

• Meals consisting of mostly plant-based ingredients like a vegetable stir-fry with tofu, but occasionally including chicken or fish.
• Mondays and Fridays without meat, while allowing for animal products on other days.

Additional Information

• Effects: The diet balances potential nutritional benefits of plant-based eating with the flexibility to reduce possible nutrient deficiencies that can occur in strict vegetarian diets, such as vitamin B12 and iron shortages.

Related Terms

• Vegetarian Diet
• Vegan Diet
• Mediterranean Diet
• Plant-Based Diet

References

• The Flexitarian Diet: What to Know
• The Emerging Role of Flexitarian Diets