subject: The Flexitarian Diet: Benefits Of Being A Part-time Vegetarian [print this page] 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 sea (fish and shellfish) and land animal foods (such as meat, chicken, dairy and eggs) one or two times a day.
You bother being a "flexitarian"? Why not just go all out and become a vegan? A vegan diet is certainly one way to go as a large body of research points in the direction of a vegan diet being one of the healthiest diets in the world. But unfortunately a vegan diet is very restricting. The average person simply is most likely not able to commit to this way of eating long-term, or at least they most likely won't be able to commit to eating a truly healthy vegan diet (remember, donuts and potato chips are considered vegan foods, but these foods certainly aren't representative of the intrinsically healthy vegan spirit!) Being a "flexitarian" or a part-time vegetarian is simply a more doable way to eat for the vast majority of people. "Flexitarianism" is more "real world"which means you are more likely to stick with it!
How Can You Lose Weight and Gain Healthy By Being a Flexitarian?
There really are four key reasons for eating a predominantly plant-based vegan diet including:
1. You'll eat less saturated fat as a "Flexitarian". A significant source of saturated fat in the standard American diet (S.A.D.) is derived from animal foods such as chicken, eggs, beef and dairy. The saturated fat in these animal foods is harmful to our health and very different than the saturated fat from plant foods (such as coconuts). Animal-based saturated fat is notoriously terrible for heart health but it can also increase inflammation, which can worsen the symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, fibromyalgia, asthma, allergies, multiple sclerosis, etc. Inflammation also interferes with your body's fat-burning abilities, thus making weight management more difficult.
2. Plant-based diets are rich in phytochemicals. Only plant-based vegan foods contain disease-fighting, anti-inflammatory and metabolism supporting phytochemicals. These substances are one of natures most powerful antioxidants and they work to prevent both the internal and external oxidation that accelerates visible and cellular aging. Plant foods contain hundreds of phytochemicals that work together on many different cellular levels to optimize health. They also enable your body to burn fat for fuel faster by stimulating PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors). PPAR's reduce fat-storing insulin levels and even 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.
Becoming a flexitarian is a healthful and balanced way of eating that is easier to sustain than a strict vegan diet. A flexitarian has many options, including the freedom and flexibility to enjoy some animal foods in moderation. You won't feel deprived as a "flexitarian" but you will absolutely benefit from the numerous health and weight loss benefits of adding more unrefined plant foods to your diet.
by: Ivy Larson
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