The Flexitarian Diet
The Flexitarian Diet is a style of eating that encourages a primarily plant-based diet while allowing meat and other animal products in moderation. More flexible than a fully vegetarian or vegan diet, the Flexitarian Diet is a reasonable option for those looking to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their diet or those who are looking to reduce carbon footprint by cutting back on foods like beef and dairy that produce high levels of carbon emissions. Join us as we at Advanced Biotech explore the Flexitarian Diet, its possible health benefits, and its positive impact on the environment.
What is the Flexitarian Diet?
The Flexitarian Diet was created with the purpose of reaping the benefits of a plant-based diet but with more flexibility for those who cannot completely commit to eliminating animal products from their diet. This unique diet has no set rules, guidelines, or calorie restrictions and can be considered more of a lifestyle than a diet, and is based on principles such as eating mostly fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, getting protein from plants rather than meat, eating the least processed most natural form of foods, limiting sugar and sweets, and allowing meat and other animal products in moderation. Due to its flexibility and lack of strict guidelines, the Flexitarian Diet is ideal for those looking to pursue a healthier lifestyle or take the first steps towards environmental preservation.
Health Benefits
Following the flexitarian diet may present many health benefits, as increasing one’s intake of plant-based, natural foods is the ideal way to attain a healthier lifestyle. It is suggested that following this diet may decrease the chance of heart disease, as diets rich in fiber, antioxidants and healthy fat promote blood circulation and overall heart health. Flexitarian eating may also be good for the waistline, as a decrease in processed foods and excess sugar is show to promote weightless and the maintenance of a healthy weight. Along the same lines, these eating guidelines are also thought to be helpful in preventing diabetes, as a healthy, plant-based diet is typically recommended for those who are at risk. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains and legumes all have nutrients and antioxidants that may help to prevent cancer. A healthy, balanced diet rich in wholesome, natural foods is the best way to achieve wellness goals and prevent long-term health issues.
Environmental Impact
The Flexitarian Diet may also benefit the health of the planet. Reducing meat consumption can help preserve natural resources and the environment by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as deforestation and the use of clean water. The shift to eating more plant-based foods will also drive the demand for more sustainable farming practices and for more land to be devoted to growing fruits and vegetables for human consumption rather than feed for livestock. Cultivating crops also uses less energy than producing animal protein, reducing the use of fossil fuels and their emissions which harm the environment and the ozone.
Eating flexitarian and swapping meat for plant protein is good for the body as well as the environment. Plant-based diets use fewer fossil fuels, land and water, and are packed with beneficial nutrients that support health and can prevent long-term disease.