1. Flexitarians are Flexible
Flexitarians are typically former vegetarians who are looking for a bit more flexibility in social settings. Flexitarians mainly eat a vegetarian diet, but add small quantities of meat and fish on occasion. Think of a flexitarian as an "almost vegetarian." Transitioning to a flexitarian diet is an easy process. If you eat a lot of meat, substitute 2 vegetarian meals each week and gradually increase the number of meatless meals you prepare each week.
2. Here's to Your Health
Flexitarians do enjoy some of the same health benefits that vegetarians do, such as lower cholesterol and a lower risk of heart disease, because they eat a diet that is largely plant-based. Eating a plant-based diet isn't as restrictive as many individuals mistakenly believe. Many individuals who enjoy eating beef, poultry and other meats typically don't eat a large variety of vegetables. Eating a diet that is largely plant-based results in a high consumption of a wide variety of vegetables that many individuals don't even consider eating such as kale, daikon, turnips, Napa cabbage, rutabagas and Swiss chard.
3. Social Settings Simplified
Because a flexitarian still consumes animal products on occasion, social functions are typically less awkward than they are for vegetarians. A flexitarian can eat vegetarian at home all week, but enjoy whatever dish her host prepares at a weekend party. If you're easily flustered in social situations or feel awkward declining a meal someone worked hard to prepare, you might consider being a flexitarian. If you're motivated by ethical concerns for animal rights, you'll have to work on communicating your ethical position to friends and family.
4. Flexitarians Throughout History
As humans evolved, so did their diets. Humans ate meat during times in their evolutionary development when it was the only option available. Modern-day flexitarians eat meat when it is available, usually in social settings or during the holidays. While the term flexitarian is new, the concept has been present throughout the evolutionary development of humans.
5. Flexitarians and the Future
It's only logical that the flexitarian diet trend will continue to grow over time. In many ways, health-conscious consumers are now beginning to view meat as most individuals view lard. Lower-fat cooking options such as vegetable or canola oil have replaced lard in food preparation just as health-conscious consumers substitute soy-based foods for meat in recipes.
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