There’s a growing trend in the diet world, called flexitarianism.
But … what does it mean to be a flexitarian?
What foods does a flexitarian eat?
Well, in this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know.
There’s certainly a lot of diets ... nutrition plans … ways to fuel your body … and this newer idea of Flexitarianism is just one of the many.
So, we’ll go over the diet’s specific rules and even go over the possible benefits and drawbacks that can come along with this diet.
What Is The Flexitarian Diet?
There's a lot of people out there who want to eat a plant-based diet, for a number of reasons.
Yet, they just can’t tear themselves away from eating meat ... so they have to search for plant-based protein sources.
Maybe you’re one of these people.
That said, if you’ve ever wanted to eat less meat, but you can’t ever seem to give it up completely ... you may be considered a Flexitarian.
I do not follow this nutrition approach, but from my understanding with the research and talking to people who do … they describe it as “the flexible vegetarian diet.”
That’s because it allows for a degree of wiggle room in your meals.
Rather than calling the flexitarian diet a plant-based diet, it’s probably more accurate to say it’s plant-centered.
The basic premise is that you try to stick to a vegetarian diet when possible, but you allow yourself to fall off of the wagon once in a while.
Or maybe not even fall of the wagon, but just choose to have meat, or non-vegetarian dishes.
People may find the flexitarian diet easier to stick with than going full vegetarian, because it allows them to eat plant-based meals while still satisfying those cravings for meat.
What Can Flexitarians Eat?
But what exactly does a flexitarian eat if they’re eating mostly vegetarian? What does “mostly vegetarian” even mean?
Here is one definition:
Flexitarians focus on plant foods - Most of your diet should be centered around fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
Then, the rest of your diet can be comprised of animal sources. Things such as fish, poultry, beef, and other animal meats.
From what I have gathered, consumption of meat is occasional.
Basically, when you have a craving or are out to eat and want some meat, you eat it.
Should I Be A Flexitarian?
That depends on you.
Picking a lifestyle or “diet” to follow is something we all have to decide on.
And even if you are not following a specific plan, on a basic level, we all choose what we eat every day.
When considering a nutrition approach or diet, one of the biggest factors is choosing one that will fit your specific life and allow you to be consistent long-term.
I personally always recommend a well-balanced, healthy lifestyle.
It is very important to eat nutritionally dense foods, no matter what “diet” you follow.
Plants are typically high in things such as fiber, micronutrients, antioxidants, and are typically not calorically dense.
Which means by traditional standards, they are huge components of a healthy plan.
However, plants lack protein, or at least high enough amounts of protein to meet most peoples nutritional needs everyday.
This will make it difficult to get optimal amounts of protein, when you are following a plant-centered diet.
This is even more common with the individuals who follow a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.
Protein has a multitude of benefits.
More specifically, consuming complete protein sources, or a combination of protein sources to make them complete protein sources has a ton of benefits.
That’s because you will be giving your body the essential amino acids that it needs.
These amino acids are vital for everyday function. Including to aid in recovery, building of protein, synthesis of hormones, metabolism, natural energy, and more!
How Can I Be Plant-Based And Get Enough Protein?
If you are currently following, or planning to follow, a plant based/centered diet.
Having a solid plan of attack is always what I recommend to have the most success.
This can simply mean using the 1st Phorm App to track your macros, so you know you are hitting your protein numbers for the day.
In addition to that, using the tools that are available to you can be very beneficial.
Understanding how to focus your day around the right combinations of plants and protein sources that align with your lifestyle will not only improve your results, but also increase the likelihood that you stick with the plan.
Also, having a high-quality plant-based protein powder can really aid in getting in ideal amounts of protein.
Or, since with this nutrition approach you can have some animal products, using a high-quality whey isolate protein after your workouts is a great way to increase your protein intake.
Now, the third resource or tool, would be simply reaching out to us here at 1st Phorm.
We have a full team of NASM Certified Personal Trainers, NASM Certified Nutrition Coaches, and multiple Dietitians that can help you … for free!
So, no matter what your goals are … or what type of nutrition plan you are interested in … or even how you work out … I’m confident that we can help!
Whether it comes down to finding the right plan for you, or making sure you are already on the best path, we are here for you!
So, even if you don’t shop with us or use our products … just simply give us a call at 1-800-409-9732, send us a live chat here on the site, or kick over an email to CustomerService@1stPhorm.com and we will get you taken care of!
