What is the Flexitarian Diet? Benefits of a Flexitarian Diet

Is the Flexitarian diet good for you and what are its health benefits? We will answer all these questions and more in this article. Let’s dive in!

1What is the Flexitarian Diet?

What is the Flexitarian Diet?

The Flexitarian diet is a nutritional approach created by American expert, Dawn Jackson Blatner. The name of this diet is a combination of the words flexible and vegetarian, implying a flexible vegetarian approach.

Although it doesn’t adhere strictly to vegetarianism, this diet still allows you to reap the positive benefits of vegetarianism while moderating your intake of animal protein.

2Principles of the Flexitarian Diet

Principles of the Flexitarian Diet

The Flexitarian diet is based on the following principles:

• Include various plant-based proteins in your daily meals, such as , , , and nuts.
• Use natural sweeteners and dried herbs as alternatives to sugar and salt.
• Consume a variety of fruits and vegetables.
• Incorporate whole grains like , , and brown rice into your diet.

3Benefits of the Flexitarian Diet

Prevents Heart Disease

Vegetarians have a 32% lower risk of heart disease compared to non-vegetarians. Adopting a flexitarian diet that is rich in fiber and unsaturated fats can help lower blood pressure and increase good cholesterol.

Prevents Heart Disease

Supports Weight Loss

Since the Flexitarian diet emphasizes fruits and vegetables, it helps minimize your intake of calories and animal fat, thereby supporting your weight loss goals effectively.

Supports Weight Loss

Controls Diabetes

As a semi-vegetarian diet, Flexitarianism limits the intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates, thereby helping to prevent and manage diabetes effectively.

Controls Diabetes

Prevents Cancer

A vegetarian diet rich in vegetables and fruits provides the body with essential nutrients and antioxidants, which can help prevent various types of cancer.

Prevents Cancer

4How to Follow the Flexitarian Diet

Foods to Eat on the Flexitarian Diet

Foods to Eat on the Flexitarian Diet

• Plant-based protein sources: , lentils, ,…
• Vegetables: , , , , , beans,…
• Fruits: , , , , berries,…
• Whole grains: or buckwheat
• Healthy fats: , chia seeds, flaxseeds, cashews, , avocado, ,…
• Plant-based milk: , , ,…
• Herbs: Basil, , mint, , ,…
• Other beverages: Water, ,

Foods to Avoid on the Flexitarian Diet

Foods to Limit or Avoid on the Flexitarian Diet

• Sweet treats like , , , cakes,…
• Processed meats such as or
• Fast food like , burgers, milkshakes,…

5Notes on Following the Flexitarian Diet

Notes on Following the Flexitarian Diet

The Flexitarian diet is about reducing your meat intake, but completely eliminating animal protein can lead to nutritional deficiencies and increase the risk of certain health conditions.

Therefore, while following a semi-vegetarian diet, ensure that you still include sufficient amounts of meat to achieve optimal results from this dietary approach.

This article has provided a comprehensive overview of the Flexitarian diet, including its principles, benefits, and guidelines. We hope you found this information useful and that it will enhance your daily life!

Source: Translated from Healthline