Fleksitarizem: "goljufivo" vegetarijanstvo z mesnim menijem

There are many different nutritional principles in the world today to suit all tastes. Among them, vegatarianism – an approach that implies a complete refusal of meat products, including poultry, fish and seafood – has been leading for decades. And stricter variants of the vegetarian diet exclude dairy products. But what about those who can’t imagine life without these hearty protein dishes? A new fashionable trend has come to the aid of meat-eaters – flexitarianism.

What is flexitarianism?

Flexitarianism is flexible vegetarianism. The name of the direction is formed from the merger of the English words flexible, that is, flexible, and vegetarian – vegetarian. The essence of the approach is that flexitarians can eat meat, but not daily, but on certain occasions or at will. Thus, this model of nutrition does not call to completely give up meat, eggs, milk, fish, but recommends limiting their consumption.

Blogger and nutritionist Marina Bessonova believes that flexitarianism is the most optimal approach to nutrition, which is much healthier than vegetarianism or meat-eating.

Marina: Flexitarianism is a predominantly plant-based diet that allows for infrequent intake of animal flesh for food – a great way to diversify your menu, the most acceptable and healthy alternative to 100% veganism. And today even the WHO is increasingly saying that complete avoidance of animal products is as harmful to health as 100% meat-eating.

Flexitarianism includes the consumption of a large number of fruits and vegetables. Many regard this principle of nutrition as a transitional stage from meat-eaters to lovers of plant food. By the way, flexitarian diet is often compared with the classic fasting of the Christian religion. After all, flexitarianism involves eating in cycles, in which a person alternates periods with light plant food and with the use of meat.

Flexitarianism is not yet widespread in Russia. But in the United States, back in 2003, the American Dialectical Society recognized the word “flexitarian” as the most popular word of the year.

What do flexitarians eat?

Rdeče meso

It is acceptable to include it in the diet 1-2 times a week. First of all, red meat is a source of iron, B vitamins and essential amino acids. Adherents of a flexible diet believe that vegetable protein can not completely replace animal protein, so they do not completely give up meat.

Fish and seafood

According to the ideology of flexitarianism, they can be eaten in unlimited quantities. The main thing is that the diet as a whole was balanced and healthy.

Mlečni izdelki

Flexitarian diet provides for the minimum consumption of dairy products, but from cow’s milk. It is better to switch to sheep or goat milk of the highest quality, as it is believed that cow’s milk contains growth factors that stimulate insulin secretion.

All lovers of sausages, sausages and burgers will be upset by this list, because flexitarianism implies a healthy lifestyle. So these delicacies will have to be replaced by products without preservatives and flavor enhancers. But that doesn’t mean that your flexitarian diet will become less attractive.

British blogger Somi Igbene has long been a flexitarian. The girl regularly shares in her “instagram” photos and recipes of dishes that she prepares. All of them are made exclusively from healthy products, but at the same time can tempt even the most avid fan of unhealthy flavors. Take a look!

The benefits of flexitarianism

Increased vegetable intake

The first plus can be confidently called the variety of vegetables in the diet. In addition to them, flexitarianism includes fruits and nuts, which we often neglect, having had time to satisfy the needs with caloric dishes.

Unlimited diet on holidays

On holidays, you really can have it all. Yes, yes, you will not have to give up shish kebab or olivier on New Year’s Eve. This is a big plus in psychological terms, because often diets end precisely because of breakdowns on the nervous ground. But the main thing in flexible dieting is to count calories and the next days to make unloading.

A measured weight loss

Another nice bonus – weight loss at a measured pace without feeling guilty for the extra piece eaten. But, most likely, the first to go away muscle mass, and the result is unlikely to last. In addition, the lack of a clear framework in the menu can prevent those whose goal is to get rid of extra pounds as quickly as possible. In any case, flexitarianism is a healthy diet that will help you be in good shape. But solely for the sake of weight loss, it should not be chosen.

Contribution to improving the environment

Flexitarianism helps protect the environment. Reducing the consumption of red meat and dairy products has a positive impact on the ecology. After all, when animals are kept, even on a home farm, greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane are emitted. This has the effect of raising the temperature of the planet.

No protein deficiency

This is one of the most obvious benefits. The beneficial properties of the enzyme will be utilized by the body and will help build muscle, burn fat and keep bones strong. While vegetarians have to take supplements or supplement heavily with plant-based protein, flexitarians will not need such measures.

Overall health benefits

In terms of health itself, flexitarianism is good for preventing and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is now the leading cause of death (stroke, heart attack).

Minuses of flexitarianism

Unbalanced diet

At first glance, flexitarianism may seem almost the most ideal type of diet for a healthy lifestyle. However, such a diverse menu, according to experts, can only do harm. Lack of regularity in the use of products, alternation of vegetable and sometimes meat food leads to the fact that the diet is unbalanced and heavy for the body.

The same vegetarians clearly follow the replenishment of protein in the body and every day use vegetable protein, and flexible diet does not always provide for this.

Stress for the body

In addition, this alternation of vegetarianism with meat dishes is stressful for the body, which can develop into problems with weight, skin and nervous system.

Flexitarianism, as we have already seen, is quite flexible: there are no template recommendations on nutrition in it. Therefore, no one can guarantee you a hundred percent result. In addition, if you want to join the direction, we recommend that you first consult a specialist to find out how much and what kind of protein you personally lack.

What do vegetarians think about flexitarianism?

Vegetarians find it offensive when flexitarianism is referred to as an offshoot of their type of diet. And this is understandable, because most often people stop eating meat for ethical or ideological reasons. It’s at least strange for them to give up meat one day and eat a juicy steak the next. It’s like rooting for Barcelona in the morning and Real Madrid in the evening. Nevertheless, the number of fans of the newfangled diet is growing.

Flexitarianism is a kind of golden mean and a good trend for a healthy lifestyle. In Russia flexitarianism is gaining popularity and, probably, in the near future will be able to replace grueling diets, which without knowledge of the measure are dangerous for most people. But we must not forget that nutrition is a very important point for every person, so we advise not to chase fashion alone, but to listen to your body and consult with specialists.