The term “flexitarian” is new to the urban dictionary but basically means an omnivore who maintains a predominantly plant-based diet but still eats moderate sized servings of land and sea animal foods one or two times a day (including fish, shellfish, eggs, chicken, dairy, meat, etc.)
Why not just go all out and commit to becoming a vegan? An abundance of research shows a vegan diet is most likely the healthiest way to go, the problem is it is very restricting and the average person just won’t be able to commit to this way of eating long-term, or at least they most likely won’t be able to commit to being a truly healthy vegan (remember, French fries and chips are considered vegan foods, but these foods aren’t exactly healthy!) Being a part-time vegetarian, or a “flexitarian” is simply a more lenient and more realistic way to eat for the vast majority of people.
What key benefits to becoming a flexitarian for your health and for weight loss?
There really are four key reasons for eating a predominantly plant-based vegan diet including:
1. Vegan diets are low in saturated fat. A large part of the saturated fat in the standard American diet (S.A.D.) is derived from animal foods such as beef and dairy. The saturated fat in these animal foods is very harmful and very different than the saturated fat from plant foods (such as coconuts). Animal-based saturated fat is very harmful for heart health but it can also increase inflammation, which can worsen the symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as asthma, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, psoriasis, allergies, etc. Inflammation also thwarts your body’s ability to burn fat, making it more difficult to maintain a healthy body weight.
2. “Flexitarians” eat more phytochemicals. Only plant-based vegan foods contain anti-inflammatory, disease-fighting, metabolism supporting “anti-aging” phytochemicals. Plant-based phytochemicals are one of natures most powerful antioxidants working on many levels to prevent both the external and internal oxidation that accelerates visible and cellular aging. Phytochemicals protect the plant but they also protect you, the plant-eater. All plant foods contain hundreds of different types of phytochemicals that work synergistically in many different ways to optimize human health. Plant-based phytochemicals also enable your body to burn fat for fuel faster by activating PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors). PPAR’s reduce your body’s fat-storing insulin levels and even help lower cholesterol.
3. “Flexitarians” get more fiber. Fiber is often an overlooked nutrient but it’s essential for optimal human health. Fiber is only found in plant based foods and is not found in animal foods. Eating a plant-based fiber-rich diet is essential if you want to be able to eat until you are full and satisfied without worrying about gaining weight. This is because fiber expands and takes up space in your stomach, so you feel full and satisfied on fewer calories. Fiber also improves your cholesterol profile, helps detoxify your body and reduces the risk of certain types of cancer.
4. “Flexitarians” eat less calories and more nutrients. Assuming you avoid empty calorie vegan foods (such as flour and sugar) and consume unrefined plant-based “whole” foods such as fruits, grains, beans and vegetables you will be eating a naturally very low calorie but high nutrient diet. Eating low calorie, nutrient-dense foods will slow the aging process, help you maintain a healthy weight without feeling hungry and help you stay youthful longer.
A flexitarian diet is a healthful and balanced way of eating that is easier to sustain than a strict vegan diet. The part-time vegetarian has many options, including the flexibility and freedom to consume some animal foods in moderation. You won’t feel deprived as a “flexitarian” but you will certainly benefit from the numerous health and weight loss benefits of consuming a predominantly plant-based diet.
A flexitarian diet can be a simple and effective way to lose weight and live a healthy lifestyle. See other resources by Ivy Larson, co-author of the bestselling Gold Coast Cure and the Whole Foods Diet Cookbook. Find the information you want today and start on the road to a flexitarian diet.