Do you enjoy eating meat but also wish to increase the amount of plant-based meals in your diet? Or perhaps you’re a vegetarian who occasionally longs for the flavor of a juicy burger. Well, worry not; the flexitarian diet has been designed just for you! Let’s learn what’s so particular about this new diet.
The Basics
Most Americans do not eat the required quantities of dairy, fruits, whole grains, legumes (chickpeas, lentils, and soybeans), fish, veggies, or legumes. Although changing one’s diet can ultimately be difficult, the “flexitarian diet” aims to simplify the transition. This is accomplished by emphasizing what can be added to the diet rather than what should be eliminated.
The terms “flexible” and “vegetarian” are combined to form the word “flexitarian,” whereas “diet” refers to a way of life. The flexitarian diet is intended to be a more adaptable kind of vegetarianism that allows you to enjoy the health advantages of eating many fruits, vegetables, and whole grains without completely giving up meat, dairy, eggs, and other animal products.
The focus on plant-based flexitarian foods is believed to add to the health advantages of a vegetarian diet without necessitating adherence to the strict dietary requirements of 100% vegetarian or vegan diets.
A flexitarian diet has no predetermined macronutrient or calorie targets. The objective is to gradually increase the intake of plant- or plant-based meals while allowing occasional or modest meat consumption.
The Health Benefits of a Flexitarian Diet
As a result of its high vitamin, antioxidant, protein, and fiber content, the Flexitarian Diet has several health advantages. The same health advantages of other vegetarian diets are also offered by the flexible vegetarian diet, which does not restrict food consumption. Consuming whole grains and other foods helpful in treating various ailments is also part of the flexitarian diet.
Here is a list of a few health advantages of a flexitarian diet:
Helps in the Management or Prevention of Diabetes
The Flexitarian Diet may aid in the management or prevention of type 2 diabetes, according to research. The Flexitarian Diet strongly focuses on following plant-based flexitarian meal plans such as legumes, fruits, whole grains, seeds, veggies, and nuts while limiting most animal products.
Type 2 diabetes is treated with plant-based diets, lessening macrovascular and microvascular problems. Additionally, individuals who follow a plant-based diet have a considerably reduced chance of developing type 2 diabetes than those who do not. This is primarily because the plant-based diet has lower body mass indices, which are protective against the disease.
Assists Weight Loss
A balanced diet that prohibits eating meat products is called a flexitarian diet. For instance, it has fewer calories than an omnivorous diet. Additionally, research revealed that eating a plant-based or vegetarian flexitarian diet lowers cholesterol and saturated fat levels in the body, which helps with weight management.
Since the diet discourages eating highly processed foods, refined sugar and encourages eating lower-calorie foods, the Flexitarian Diet aids in weight maintenance. Therefore, people with a plant-based diet lose weight faster than those without.
Reduces the Risk of Cancer
An almost vegetarian diet is a flexitarian diet. Additionally, eating vegetarianism is linked to a decreased risk of developing cancer. Consuming foods high in fiber, such as whole grains, fruits, and non-starchy vegetables, is a vital component of the flexitarian diet. This diet lowers the chance of developing cancer as it is a balanced diet that limits the intake of red and processed meat.
A flexible strategy for emphasizing a plant-based diet or cuisine is the heart health flexitarian diet. One study, for instance, found a link between a decreased risk of cardiovascular or heart problems and increased consumption of plant-based foods such as nuts, vegetables, whole grains, and fruit.
Cholesterol levels can be reduced through a flexible diet as well. According to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vegetarians had a 32% reduced risk of heart disease than non-vegetarians,
Enhances Skin Health
Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes are plentiful in a flexitarian diet. These food groups also contain vitamins A, C, and E and polyphenols, which, according to a recent review, help produce collagen and protect against UV rays.
These nutritious food items reduce inflammation and neutralize skin-damaging free radicals.
The Final Word…
The flexitarian meals are semi-vegetarian and emphasize plant-based meals, minimally processed foods, and healthy plant proteins. At the same time, it also promotes the occasional, moderation-based consumption of meat and other animal products.
Flexitarian food can help you lose weight and lower your chances of developing heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.
However, to avoid nutritional shortages and maximize your health advantages, planning your flexitarian diet selections wisely is crucial.
