What is a flexitarian diet (2024)

FAQs

What is a flexitarian diet? ›

With its name a play on two words – flexible and vegetarian – and no strict definitions, a flexitarian diet is one that focuses on whole, plant-based proteins and other minimally processed foods, while enjoying meat, dairy, eggs and fish in moderation.

The flexitarian diet is a play on two words: flexible and vegetarian. While no single definition has been adopted, the flexitarian diet can be generally defined as a semi-vegetarian, plant-forward diet that incorporates dairy and eggs and allows room for meat from time to time.

Flexitarian diet. A primarily vegetarian eating plan, but its adopters occasionally eat meat. Fruitarian diet. Diet characterized by consumption of fruits, nuts, seeds, and, in some cases, legumes.

The flexitarian diet is essentially a flexible alternative to being a vegetarian. So you're still focusing on fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes and nuts, but you occasionally still enjoy meat.

It includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and plant-based protein sources including legumes, soybeans, and nuts, along with modest amounts of poultry, fish, milk, and eggs, and small amounts of red meat.

With its name a play on two words – flexible and vegetarian – and no strict definitions, a flexitarian diet is one that focuses on whole, plant-based proteins and other minimally processed foods, while enjoying meat, dairy, eggs and fish in moderation.

Unlike strict vegetarians, flexitarians eat meat sometimes. There aren't any rigid guidelines about how often a flexitarian can eat meat. Some light flexitarians may eat meat every day of the week except one, while heavy flexitarians might have red meat, poultry, or seafood just once or twice a week.

Some flexitarians don't eat dairy but eat eggs and seafood. Others avoid eggs but include yogurt or cheese and use animal-derived collagen or take a fish oil supplement.

Mediterranean Diet, DASH Diet, and MIND Diets Are the Best Diets of 2024. All three diets are highly recommended by doctors because of their known health benefits. “The Mediterranean eating plan doesn't have a set calorie range or portion guidelines, which is why it can fit almost anyone's needs.

Tooth decay, tooth loss, or poorly fitting dentures might lead to discomfort and hinder one's ability to effectively chew hard-textured foods. For older adults who have difficulty chewing their food, cottage cheese, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes can be good soft food options.

Can flexitarians eat pasta? ›

You may already have bread, pasta, popcorn, oatmeal, and rice in your kitchen. These are all examples of grains you eat regularly. To adjust to the flexitarian diet, look for whole-grain options for bread and pasta at the store. Whole-grain foods are more nutritious than their refined grain counterparts.

Limited consumption of meat and other animal products may lead to some nutritional deficiencies, particularly B12, iron, zinc and calcium. Flexitarians may be at risk, depending on their food choices.

flexitarian (FX) diet, if they consumed meat and meat products ≤ 50 g/day (equivalent to ≤ 350 g/week) vegan (V) diet, if they consumed no food of animal origin. omnivore (OMN) diet, if they consumed meat and meat products ≥ 170 g/d on average (equivalent to ≥ 1190 g/week)

Doctors and dietitians recommend semi-vegetarian eating plans like the Flexitarian Diet because they're easy to follow and encourage you to eat a large variety of foods that not only help you shed excess pounds but improve your overall health.

Consider a flexitarian diet a “light” vegetarian diet. While you can still eat animal products like beef and chicken, you want to take steps toward a more plant-forward diet. That means you'll incorporate foods like beans, lentils, tofu, and plenty of fruits and veggies onto your plate.