By now you’ve probably heard of the term “flexitarian” Just in case you haven’t, a flexitarian is someone who follows a vegetarian diet, but occasionally eats meat or animal products.
This diet is also referred to as semi-vegetarianism. With this in mind, you may be wondering: what does being a flexitarian do for your body? Let’s find out!
Benefits of Flexitarianism on Your Body and Health
One of the main benefits of being a flexitarian is that it can lead to improved overall health and wellness. Eating a diet full of nutritious fruits, vegetables, proteins and grains can unlock several potentially life-saving benefits. Studies have shown that this kind of dietary pattern could protect you from heart disease, stroke, diabetes and obesity – plus gain the added perk of regulating cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Additionally, research suggests that being a flexitarian can boost your nutrient intake.
By eating a flexitarian diet, you can enjoy the benefits of taking in an abundance of very nutritious fruits and vegetables. Because these foods contain essential vitamins and minerals that are key to maintaining good health. They’re also packed with fiber, which helps keep us feeling full for longer periods of time and keeps our digestive system running well.
Another health benefit associated with becoming a flexitarian is that it can potentially help reduce inflammation in the body. Eating less meat means consuming fewer saturated fats which can cause inflammation in the body if consumed in excess quantities. Additionally, plant-based foods are filled with antioxidants which help to fight off free radicals that contribute to inflammation as well.
Challenges Associated with Becoming a Flexitarian
Although flexitarianism offers many potential health benefits, there are still some challenges associated with making the switch from an omnivorous diet to one that includes more plant-based foods. One challenge is sourcing enough variety when it comes to plant-based proteins such as beans, nuts and seeds–eating too much tofu every day can get boring!
Additionally, maintaining motivation over time might be difficult for some people as a flexitarian diet does require more planning than other diets like veganism or vegetarianism where all animal products are cut out completely from meals altogether. Finally, when eating out or attending social events like barbecues or birthday parties; finding food options appropriate for someone following this diet may sometimes be difficult due to limited offerings available in most restaurants or at these types of gatherings..
Transitioning To a Flexitarian Diet
Making the transition from an omnivorous diet to one where meat consumption is reduced doesn’t have to be overwhelming or intimidating! Taking things slow and focusing on small changes here and there can make all the difference when it comes to sticking with this new lifestyle choice in the long run. Here are some tips for transitioning into become a flexitarian:
1. Start by making small changes incrementally rather than going cold turkey right away—this will make it easier for your body (and taste buds!)to adjust over time without feeling deprived immediately
2. Make sure you’re eating enough fruits and vegetables each day—aim for 5-7 servings per day.
3. Incorporate more legumes such as lentils or black beans into meals.
4. Experiment with different cooking techniques such as baking and roasting – these methods don’t require oil which makes them healthier alternatives.
5. Eat smaller portions sizes – reducing meat intake doesn’t mean having large amounts of other items!
6. Make sure you include enough sources of whole grains – these provide important nutrients such as B vitamins and dietary fiber.
7. Focus on adding new food items rather than taking something out right away.
8. Find ways to add flavor without adding extra fat – spices are great way to do this!
9. Try not to replace meats entirely with processed fake me products—they often contain high amounts of sodium.
10. Be mindful about incorporating seafood into your diet – choose sustainable options whenever possible.
By implementing some (or all!) of these tips into your daily life; you should find yourself well on your way towards becoming a healthy flexitarian – and your body will thank you for it!