Thinking About Going Vegetarian? Try Being a bit “Flexitarian”

In the 21st century some people equate eating meat to smoking a cigarette – you just don’t do it if you want to be healthy.

Some people are set on believing that going vegetarian, in its various forms, is a more righteous way to eat and an automatic way to healthier eating, and in some cases, automatic weight loss as well.

While research has shown that overall vegetarians do consume less fat and cholesterol and suffer less from the ill effects of having too much of these nutrients than their meat consuming counterparts, research has also shown that people who follow a vegetarian diet exercise more, smoke less, and generally have less stress.

One must note, that following a vegetarian diet does not automatically make the diet “healthy.” Vegetarians can eat unhealthy diets as much as a non-vegetarian. Candy, chips, soft drinks, and other snack foods can each qualify as vegetarian and someone who calls him/herself a vegetarian can easily not eat fruit and vegetables just as easily as a non-vegetarian.

If you are considering a vegetarian route, think about this: how do you eat now? Do you plan your meals and eat a balanced diet and pretty healthy already? Why are you choosing to cut out or reduce your animal product consumption? Is it for your health? Is it for ethical reasons?

If it is for ethical or religious reasons, be careful in that you are still getting plenty of plant-based foods: fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Get your protein from plants like beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, and soy products.

If you are thinking of going vegetarian for your health, consider this: rather than going vegetarian "all the way" consume meat, poultry, and/or fish a one, two or a few times a week. The rest of the week, consume primarily plant-based foods and protein like beans, nuts, and seeds, and soy products.

Can’t do it? What are you going to do when you are a vegetarian? Many people turn to pasta with pasta sauces for all of their non-meat or “vegetarian” meals, and this just isn’t the way to go.

"Flexing" your way to a part-time vegetarian diet just might help you out, and help your health. And it is much more reasonable. That way you can have your meat and not eat it too.

For more information about a flexitarian diet – check out the book The Flexitarian Diet: The Mostly Vegetarian Way to Lose Weight, Be Healthier, Prevent Disease, and Add Years to Your Life by Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, LDN


Eat Well, Live Well, Be Well – with just a bit of meat…