Why I'm a Flexitarian

What is the flexitarian diet?

I have my own definition, and I'll share that with you in a moment. But first, here's Wikipedia's definition:

"...one that is plant-based with the occasional inclusion of meat products."

What they're really saying is that flexitarians are just vegetarians with meat-eating benefits. Which sounds a lot like vegetarians cheating on their ideals.

I don't like that. Because I think the flexitarian diet can be much more than just another sub-section of vegetarianism.

By the way, there are all kinds of vegetarian diets. Some are very strict, like vegans, who choose not to eat any animal products at all. So no meat, poultry, fish, dairy or eggs for those folks.

Some vegetarians choose not to eat any animal flesh, but dairy is okay (and maybe eggs too). Then there are pollotarians (they eat poultry, but no meat from mammals), pescetarians (who eat fish and seafood, but no poultry or meat).

And even pollo-pescetarians who eat fish and poultry (and possibly other white meats, although many people have different definitions of "white meat").

What a tangled web vegetarians weave for themselves.

So I, as a developing flexitarians, like to think of myself--and those like me--as completely outside the whole vegetarian realm.

I say that the flexitarian diet is one in which the individual chooses to eat less meat than before, but isn't willing to give it up completely.

The flexitarian diet can be less about what animal-source proteins I'm willing to give up and more about replacing some of the animal proteins in my diet with other protein sources--like beans, lentils, nut and seeds--at least occasionally. And I especially like that being a flexitarian is all about...well, flexibility.

I get to decide when I'm not going to eat meat. For example: Right now, I've decided to not eat meat for lunch most days.

Someday I could decide to not eat meat at breakfast and lunch ever, but have meat at supper. Or, I could decide to go without any meat for an entire day once a week (such as Meatless Monday)--or even twice a week. Or three times a week.

I get to decide what is right for me. And so do you.

There are a number of reasons why switching to a flexitarian diet may be right for you:

• It may help you to lose weight
• Better overall health
• Environmental reasons
• Concerns about meat safety
• Rising price of meat

Personally, I wanted to give the flexitarian diet concept a try because I'm concerned about meat safety, the often inhumane treatment of animals raised for meat, and high prices (especially from animals raised organically).

At first, I thought I would miss all the meat I ate before. But I really don't because I still get to eat meat--just in smaller quantities or a little less often. Which, incidentally, makes me appreciate the meat I do eat so much more.

How about you? Have you considered how the flexitarian diet can benefit you?