Flexitarianism, or flexible vegetarianism

Flexitarianism is something between the typical diet of the developed world, rich in animal protein and processed foods, and vegetarianism. The term comes from the English words flexible and vegetarian and means flexible, pliable vegetarianism.

Sometimes the concept of flexitarianism is defined as the occasional consumption of meat, but the term is too narrow. This way of eating was proposed three decades ago, but is only now gaining a growing group of supporters. Because you can adjust it to your own needs and consciously improve the health quality of your diet.

Flexitarians believe that healthy eating does not have to be associated with the need to convert to vegetarianism and restrictive rules related to excluding meat from the diet. The recommendations of meat consumption in this way of eating are not strictly defined, however, there is no need to follow precisely defined rules, which may be a disadvantage. Flexitarians are sometimes called consumers who use a meat-free diet only to a minimal extent - e.g. once a week. Is it right to do so? Probably not! Thus, flexitarianism is interpreted very differently. On the one hand, it assumes limiting the number of meat meals on a weekly basis or allows for the occasional consumption of meat when using a vegetarian diet on a daily basis. Such a flexible, but also random, unspecified, unbalanced approach to the subject of meat meals consumption may lead to disruption of the body's homeostasis.

Animal products, especially meat, provide vitamin B12, complete protein, minerals, and their participation in the diet seems advisable. However, if the principles of the flexitarian diet are wisely implemented, they can favour the development of good eating habits in the diet of the modern consumer. Especially when they are associated with a change in the proportions of plant and animal products in the diet, with a simultaneous increase in the share and diversity of plant products, including primarily vegetables, legumes and groats. A flexitarian diet should be a simple, low-processed and relatively cheap diet. It has been shown in clinical trials that the flexitarian diet can help prevent the occurrence of civilization diseases, reduce body weight, blood pressure, glucose levels and bad LDL cholesterol.

A perfect diet for everyone?

Summarizing the previous reports on nutrition, the most important thing is not whether we eat meat or eat only vegetable food. The boundary between healthy eating and those promoting civilization diseases is more dependent on the amount of processed and unprocessed food in the diet than the proportion of animal products alone.

The universal principles of good nutrition are as follows: increasing the proportion of plant products (various, multi-coloured vegetables and fruits), low-processed products in the diet and reducing the amount of meat (according to many studies and recommendations of organizations working for human health - up to 300 g per week). It is also worth remembering about daily physical activity, relaxation and restful sleep.