Do you know what the flexitarian diet is? Throughout this text we are going to explain what this diet consists of that is becoming so fashionable and that many experts call it very healthy. We are going to know what a flexitarian can and cannot eat, as well as the differences with veganism and the main types of vegetarian diet.
Currently there are many diets, but very few are healthy or can be maintained over time. There is no perfect diet, but there are variations that bring us closer to perfection. For example, the flexitarian diet is supported by many doctors and throughout this text we will understand why.
We are going to know what a flexitarian is and the differences that exist with the rest of vegetable diets, such as vegans and vegetarianism, although we must not forget that within the vegetarian diet there are several subgroups. Well, being a flexitarian is within vegetarianism, but not within any of those subgroups, but apart.
What is a flexitarian?
In a few words, and to make it clear and for all of us to understand, a flexitarian is a person, man, woman, old man or child, who practically eats a vegetarian diet. That is to say, an almost entirely vegetable diet, only sometimes, for the reason that he creates, out of principles, out of necessity, adaptation, etc. he decides to break that vegetable diet and eat eggs, milk, meat, fish, etc.
In other words, a flexitarian is a flexible vegetarian. Let us remember that within vegetarianism there are several subgroups, since the flexitarian diet could be a subgroup halfway between being a vegetarian and not being one.
Later we will see the exact differences with other vegetable diets, but something that we must clarify is that in the flexitarian diet there are no great restrictions beyond those that each one wants to impose. It is a very flexible diet that allows us to eat properly, as long as we do it with fresh, healthy foods and with a lot of variety.
Can anyone be?
Of course yes, Anyone, adult, elderly or child can have a healthy flexitarian diet. This type of diet provides us with the necessary nutrients for the normal functioning of the organism.
In case of having certain heart pathologies, a vegetable diet and very low in sugars, fats, meats, salt and others, promotes good health, lowering cholesterol levels, lowering blood pressure, regulating blood sugar, satiating more , losing weight, improving mobility and bone health, etc.
In the event that there is a health problem that prevents us from taking some type of fruit, vegetable, legume or cereal, we just eliminate it from the diet, period.
Differences with vegan and vegetarian
The flexitarian diet, it has already become clear that it is a vegetable diet, but flexible in which foods of animal origin can be introduced whenever you want, as you want, in the quantities you want, etc. A diet that allows us to acquire nutrients that, in another way, as being vegan, for example, would be difficult.
Vegans have a very restrictive diet that does not admit foods of animal origin, not even honey, nor eggs. A diet with certain deficiencies and deficiencies such as vitamin B12, which must be supplemented.
Vegetarians, for their part, are divided into several subgroups, for example, strict vegetarians are practically vegan, then there are flexitarians who fluctuate their diet according to preferences, cravings, needs, etc. and then there are several small groups according to the food that is allowed.
For example, the lacto-ovo vegetarians, are those who base their diet on vegetables, but eat eggs and dairy. Another group are the pescatarianos, who eat fish and shellfish. There are also ovo-vegetarians who consume eggs and lacto-vegetarians who consume milk and dairy products.
Let's not forget those who consume meats. They either fall into a single group that are sometimes confused with flexitarians or are also known as pollotarians or chicken vegetarians, who eat chicken and turkey, but no red meat.
Are there prohibited foods?
Technically, being vegetarian, the only thing off limits is animal foods, including honey, but since they are flexible vegetarian, It is up to everyone where to place their limits and what to accept and what not to eat.
Thus, there are no prohibited foods, except those that each one wants to put on the prohibited list. As we have seen before, there are several subgroups, so depending on what food we restrict in our daily diet, this will be our label as a vegetarian. If the restrictions are flexible and we can change them as needed, then we are flexitarian.
We can prohibit those that do us harm, for example, red meat is more than proven to be related to some types of cancer and malignant tumors. We can also avoid the consumption of foods with saturated fats such as industrial pastries or foods with palm oil, since every year thousands of hectares subtract from the Amazon. Apart from foods that cause harm to our body, for example, in the case of being celiac, diabetic, having heart problems, etc.
Allowed foods
In the same way that there are no prohibited foods, there are allowed foods. That is to say, everything we can and want to eat is welcome. Of course, if we eat meat, eggs, milk and animal products every day, we are not really flexitarians, we just have a regular diet like anyone else.
To be a flexitarian, or to consider ourselves within this classification, you must have a minimum, that is, have a vegetable diet every day, and perhaps eat some meat at a social event, because there is no vegan option on the closed menu.
The base is to have a plant-based diet and then, sporadically, open up to other foods out of necessity or craving, such as a mixed sandwich, an ice cream shake, grilled chicken, prawns and seafood at Christmas, etc. As long as it is sporadic and due to a specific need or something similar.