{"id":61178,"date":"2024-06-21T15:07:49","date_gmt":"2024-06-21T15:07:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?p=61178"},"modified":"2024-06-21T15:39:23","modified_gmt":"2024-06-21T15:39:23","slug":"flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/","title":{"rendered":"Flexitarian Diet Pros and Cons: A Balanced Approach to Eating"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#Understanding_the_Flexitarian_Diet\" >Understanding the Flexitarian Diet<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#What_Is_a_Flexitarian_Diet\" >What Is a Flexitarian Diet?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#Key_Principles_of_Flexitarian_Eating\" >Key Principles of Flexitarian Eating<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#Pros_of_the_Flexitarian_Diet\" >Pros of the Flexitarian Diet<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#Health_Benefits\" >Health Benefits<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#Environmental_and_Ethical_Advantages\" >Environmental and Ethical Advantages<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#More_Flexibility\" >More Flexibility<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#Cons_of_the_Flexitarian_Diet\" >Cons of the Flexitarian Diet<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#Nutritional_Challenges\" >Nutritional Challenges<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#Practical_Difficulties\" >Practical Difficulties<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#Practical_Guide_to_Implementing_the_Flexitarian_Diet\" >Practical Guide to Implementing the Flexitarian Diet<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#Getting_Started_with_Flexitarianism\" >Getting Started with Flexitarianism<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#Sample_Flexitarian_Meal_Plans\" >Sample Flexitarian Meal Plans<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#Day_1\" >Day 1<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#Comparison_with_Other_Popular_Diets\" >Comparison with Other Popular Diets<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#Flexitarian_vs_Veganism\" >Flexitarian vs. Veganism<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#Flexitarian_vs_Vegetarianism\" >Flexitarian vs. Vegetarianism<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#Scientific_Insights_on_the_Flexitarian_Diet\" >Scientific Insights on the Flexitarian Diet<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#What_foods_do_flexitarians_eat\" >What foods do flexitarians eat?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#How_often_do_flexitarians_eat_meat\" >How often do flexitarians eat meat?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#Can_you_eat_cheese_on_a_flexitarian_diet\" >Can you eat cheese on a flexitarian diet?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#Can_you_lose_weight_on_a_flexitarian_diet\" >Can you lose weight on a flexitarian diet?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#Is_flexitarianism_better_than_veganism\" >Is flexitarianism better than veganism?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#Is_a_flexitarian_diet_suitable_for_everyone\" >Is a flexitarian diet suitable for everyone?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#The_Bottom_Line\" >The Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nowadays, there\u2019s a diet for everyone. You\u2019ve probably heard about keto, paleo, Whole30\u2026 the list goes on and on. An option that has gained a lot of popularity is plant-based diets due to their countless health benefits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=&quot;&quot;https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Flexitarian_diet_pros_and_cons&quot;&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;video autoplay=&quot;autoplay&quot; loop=&quot;loop&quot; muted=&quot;muted&quot; playsinline=&quot;playsinline&quot; width=&quot;777&quot;&gt;&lt;source src=&quot;&quot;https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-2.mp4&quot;&quot; type=&quot;video\/mp4&quot; \/&gt;&lt;\/video&gt;&lt;\/a&gt;&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:256,&quot;11&quot;:3}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=replace(R[-12]C[0],SEARCH(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;,R[-12]C[0]),LEN(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;),R8C[0])\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Flexitarian_diet_pros_and_cons\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-2.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, if you eat meat on occasion but still want to get all the benefits of a <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/types-of-vegan-diets\/\">vegan diet<\/a>, you may find following a vegan diet to be too restrictive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enter the flexitarian diet. This approach offers the best of both vegan and meat-based diets. As a result, it allows you to enjoy a variety of foods without strict restrictions. It\u2019s perfect for those who are looking to improve their eating habits while also being kind to the planet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This post will help you grasp the essence of a flexitarian lifestyle to help you determine if it\u2019s the right choice for you and know how to incorporate it into your daily routine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_the_Flexitarian_Diet\"><\/span><b>Understanding the Flexitarian Diet<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_Flexitarian_Diet\"><\/span><b>What Is a Flexitarian Diet?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The flexitarian diet is a type of eating pattern that was created by dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner. She wanted to promote vegetarianism due to its health benefits while still being able to enjoy meat-based products once in a while.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So where does the term come from?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The term \u201cflexitarian\u201d combines \u201cflexible\u201d and \u201cvegetarian\u201d, which perfectly describes the diet. Unlike strict vegetarianism or veganism, the flexitarian diet allows for occasional meat consumption. At its core, it emphasizes plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains while allowing meat and dairy in moderation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Principles_of_Flexitarian_Eating\"><\/span><b>Key Principles of Flexitarian Eating<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the key benefits of a flexitarian diet is that it isn\u2019t about eliminating food groups and is about finding balance. The key principles of a flexitarian diet include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Prioritize plant-based sources<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Make fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats your primary sources of food.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Limit meat consumption<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. While you\u2019re allowed to eat meat, it\u2019s consumed less frequently and in smaller quantities.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Choose quality over quantity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Opt for organic or sustainably sourced meat and dairy products. These often have a better nutritional value and are less likely to have unwanted chemicals, such as artificial hormones.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Experiment with plant proteins<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Incorporate a variety of plant-based protein sources such as tofu, tempeh, and legumes.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Be flexible<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Adapt the diet to your lifestyle and preferences without feeling guilty or pressured to adhere strictly.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pros_of_the_Flexitarian_Diet\"><\/span><b>Pros of the Flexitarian Diet<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several benefits of a flexitarian diet. The two main ones include improved health and being an eco-friendly alternative. Let\u2019s take a closer look at each one.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Health_Benefits\"><\/span><b>Health Benefits<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adopting a flexitarian lifestyle has countless health benefits. The diet encourages a higher intake of nutrient-dense plant-based foods, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a result, it can help reduce inflammation, promote good digestion, and better-looking skin. In addition, evidence suggests that those who follow a plant-based diet have lower risks of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10051114\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Environmental_and_Ethical_Advantages\"><\/span><b>Environmental and Ethical Advantages<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A flexitarian diet is not just beneficial for your health. It\u2019s also good for the planet. By reducing meat consumption, you contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions and decrease deforestation, which are two environmental issues that are tied to livestock farming.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Furthermore, choosing sustainably sourced animal products can support ethical farming practices, which ensures better animal welfare and reduced environmental impact.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"More_Flexibility\"><\/span><b>More Flexibility<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, one of the biggest benefits of the flexitarian diet is that it allows for better adherence, thanks to its flexibility. This makes it easier for people to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet in the long term.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Reasons why BetterMe is a safe bet: a wide range of calorie-blasting workouts, finger-licking recipes, 24\/7 support, challenges that\u2019ll keep you on your best game, and that just scratches the surface! <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Flexitarian_diet_pros_and_cons\">Start using our app and watch the magic happen<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cons_of_the_Flexitarian_Diet\"><\/span><b>Cons of the Flexitarian Diet<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While there are several benefits of a flexitarian diet, there are also several disadvantages you must consider. Here are some of the cons of a flexitarian lifestyle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nutritional_Challenges\"><\/span><b>Nutritional Challenges<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the flexitarian diet offers several health benefits, it may also pose some nutritional challenges (if not done correctly).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the primary concerns is the potential for inadequate protein intake, particularly if meat consumption is significantly reduced. The good news is that it can easily be mitigated by including a variety of plant-based protein sources, such as beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another challenge is ensuring adequate intake of essential nutrients, such as vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are typically found in animal products. Consult a health professional to determine if supplementation is right for you or the best way to get these nutrients.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practical_Difficulties\"><\/span><b>Practical Difficulties<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adopting a flexitarian lifestyle may also come with practical difficulties. For example, meal planning can take more time as you try to ensure a balanced intake of nutrients while experimenting with new plant-based recipes. In addition, dining out may require more thoughtful choices to stick to your dietary goals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, despite these challenges, many people find the benefits far outweigh the inconveniences, and with practice, these difficulties can be managed effectively.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Flexitarian_diet_pros_and_cons\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30039 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/1-4-1.png\" alt=\"Flexitarian diet pros and cons\" \/>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practical_Guide_to_Implementing_the_Flexitarian_Diet\"><\/span><b>Practical Guide to Implementing the Flexitarian Diet<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Getting_Started_with_Flexitarianism\"><\/span><b>Getting Started with Flexitarianism<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transitioning to a flexitarian lifestyle doesn\u2019t need to be overwhelming. Here are some practical tips and tricks to help you ease into this diet:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Start gradually<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Start by gradually reducing your meat consumption. For example, start with Meatless Mondays or choose a couple of plant-based meals a few times a week. Remember that there\u2019s no determined amount of meals you need to make in order to be considered flexitarian. For example, you can easily follow the 80\/20 approach, which is 80% of your meals being plant-based and 20% containing meat.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Try new recipes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Experiment with new recipes that highlight plant-based ingredients, and stock your pantry to have versatility staples such as beans, lentils, and whole grains. Try to keep a recipe bank with modifications you make to the recipes and which ones you want to include in your regular meal plan.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Focus on the protein<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. One of the most challenging ingredients to add is protein. Make sure there\u2019s a protein source in every meal. This can include having Greek yogurt in the morning, lentils at lunch, tofu at dinner, and edamame as a snack.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Meal plan. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To help you stay on track, make sure you\u2019re meal planning and meal prepping. This can help you balance the meals to ensure you get all the nutrients you need and help you stay on track.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sample_Flexitarian_Meal_Plans\"><\/span><b>Sample <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-meal-plan\/\">Flexitarian Meal Plan<\/a>s<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To help you get started, here\u2019s a three-day sample meal plan to help you visualize what a flexitarian diet looks like:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Day_1\"><\/span><strong>Day 1<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Breakfast<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Smoothie bowl with spinach, <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/how-many-calories-in-a-banana\/\">banana<\/a>, berries, almond milk and topped with chia seeds and nuts.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lunch<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Quinoa salad with mixed greens, chickpeas, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and lemon-tahini dressing.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dinner: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lentil and vegetable stir-fry with chicken, served with brown rice.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Snack<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Hummus with carrot and celery sticks.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Day 2<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Breakfast: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overnight oats with almond milk, chia seeds, mixed berries, and a drizzle of honey.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lunch<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Quinoa and black bean salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes, corn, and lime vinaigrette.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dinner<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Grilled salmon with a side of roasted <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/calories-in-sweet-potato\/\">sweet potato fries<\/a> and steamed broccoli and cauliflower.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Snack<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Zucchini chips with tzatziki dressing (made with coconut yogurt)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Day 3<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Breakfast: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scrambled eggs with spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, and feta cheese with a slice of whole-grain toast.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lunch<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Lentil soup with a side salad (mixed greens, beets, carrots, cucumber, and light vinaigrette).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dinner<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Stuffed bell peppers with quinoa, mushrooms, and tofu.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Snack<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Apple slices with almond butter<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep in mind that this meal plan is adjustable. You can make several days of plant-based meals or focus on only one meal a day that contains an animal product. Remember you can adjust the flexitarian diet to your preferences and needs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><strong>Read more: <\/strong><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/vegetarian-intermittent-fasting\/\"><i>The Vegetarian Intermittent Fasting Guide to Plant-Based Fasting and Feasting<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Comparison_with_Other_Popular_Diets\"><\/span><b>Comparison with Other Popular Diets<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some confuse the flexitarian diet with a vegan or <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/types-of-vegetarian-diet\/\">vegetarian diet<\/a>. While they\u2019re pretty similar, they\u2019re also slightly different.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Flexitarian_vs_Veganism\"><\/span><b>Flexitarian vs. Veganism<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Veganism excludes all animal products, while the flexitarian diet allows for occasional meat and dairy consumption. While both diets emphasize plant-based foods, flexitarianism offers more flexibility and may be easier for some to maintain in the long term.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, veganism provides a higher assurance of ethical and environmental benefits due to the complete exclusion of animal products.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Flexitarian_vs_Vegetarianism\"><\/span><b>Flexitarian vs. Vegetarianism<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vegetarianism excludes meat, but includes dairy and eggs. On the other hand, the flexitarian diet allows for limited meat consumption, including <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/keto-seafood-chowder\/\">seafood<\/a>, poultry, and beef. Both diets promote plant-based eating and offer similar health benefits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The flexitarian diet could be a more sustainable approach for those who are not ready to give up meat entirely, but still want to have all the benefits of a predominantly plant-based diet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Flexitarian_diet_pros_and_cons\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30039 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/1.png\" alt=\"Flexitarian diet pros and cons\" \/><\/a><\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Scientific_Insights_on_the_Flexitarian_Diet\"><\/span><b>Scientific Insights on the Flexitarian Diet<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several scientific studies support the health benefits of a flexitarian diet. For example, a study published in the journal <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nutrients<\/span><\/i> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">found that those who followed a semi-vegetarian diet had a lower body mass index (BMI) and reduced risk of obesity (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3967195\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another study in the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Journal of Clinical Nutrition<\/span><\/i> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">highlighted that plant-based diets are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and improved overall health outcomes (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ajcn.nutrition.org\/article\/S0002-9165(22)03370-6\/fulltext\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). In addition, it shows that they can be a more sustainable approach than other diets.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, a meta-analysis showed that most studies determined that following a flexitarian diet promoted significant weight loss, improved health, and better food quality (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5216044\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultimately, there is an abundance of scientific evidence to help support all the possible health benefits provided by the flexitarian diet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>BetterMe app will provide you with a host of fat-frying fitness routines that\u2019ll scare the extra pounds away and turn your body into a masterpiece! <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Flexitarian_diet_pros_and_cons\">Get your life moving in the right direction with BetterMe! <\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span><b>FAQs<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_foods_do_flexitarians_eat\"><\/span><strong>What foods do flexitarians eat?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flexitarians primarily follow a plant-based diet, but occasionally include meat and animal products. Typical foods include fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and plant-based proteins such as tofu and tempeh. When flexitarians consume animal products, they usually eat lean meats, fish, eggs, and dairy in moderation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_often_do_flexitarians_eat_meat\"><\/span><strong>How often do flexitarians eat meat?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The frequency of meat consumption varies among flexitarians. Some may include meat in their diet once or twice a week, while others may consume it only on special occasions. The key is to prioritize plant-based foods while treating meat as a supplementary addition rather than a staple.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_eat_cheese_on_a_flexitarian_diet\"><\/span><strong>Can you eat cheese on a flexitarian diet?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, cheese can be part of a flexitarian diet. Flexitarians have the flexibility to include dairy products, such as cheese, in their meal plans. However, it\u2019s generally recommended to choose high-quality, minimally processed options and consume them in moderation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_lose_weight_on_a_flexitarian_diet\"><\/span><strong>Can you lose weight on a flexitarian diet?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, absolutely. A flexitarian diet can support weight loss by emphasizing nutrient-dense, low-calorie foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. By reducing meat consumption and focusing on plant-based options, you can create a calorie deficit and improve overall health. However, individual results may vary, and it\u2019s important to maintain a balanced and mindful approach to eating.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_flexitarianism_better_than_veganism\"><\/span><strong>Is flexitarianism better than veganism?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This depends on individual preferences and health goals. Flexitarianism offers more flexibility and makes it easier for people to transition to a healthier, more sustainable diet without giving up animal products entirely. At the same time, veganism eliminates all animal products and may offer more significant environmental and ethical benefits. Both diets have their pros and cons and the best choice depends on your personal values and lifestyle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_a_flexitarian_diet_suitable_for_everyone\"><\/span><strong>Is a flexitarian diet suitable for everyone?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A flexitarian diet is generally suitable for most people, but it may require adjustments based on individual nutritional needs and preferences. Consult a health professional before you make any significant dietary changes, particularly if you have specific health conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=&quot;&quot;https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Flexitarian_diet_pros_and_cons&quot;&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;video autoplay=&quot;autoplay&quot; loop=&quot;loop&quot; muted=&quot;muted&quot; playsinline=&quot;playsinline&quot; width=&quot;777&quot;&gt;&lt;source src=&quot;&quot;https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-1.mp4&quot;&quot; type=&quot;video\/mp4&quot; \/&gt;&lt;\/video&gt;&lt;\/a&gt;&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:256,&quot;11&quot;:3}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=replace(R[-12]C[0],SEARCH(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;,R[-12]C[0]),LEN(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;),R8C[0])\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Flexitarian_diet_pros_and_cons\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-1.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Bottom_Line\"><\/span><b>The Bottom Line<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The flexitarian diet offers a balanced and flexible approach to eating that can benefit both your health and the environment. By prioritizing plant-based foods and enjoying meat in moderation, you can achieve a sustainable and nutritious diet that suits your lifestyle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The key to success is flexibility, making mindful choices without feeling restricted. So if you\u2019re ready to take the next step toward leading a healthier, more balanced way of eating, a flexitarian diet may just be the perfect fit for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Nowadays, there\u2019s a diet for everyone. You\u2019ve probably heard about keto, paleo, Whole30\u2026 the list goes on and on. An option that has gained a lot of popularity is plant-based diets due to their countless health benefits.\u00a0 However, if you eat meat on occasion but still want to get all the benefits of a vegan [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":79,"featured_media":61179,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[67],"tags":[],"coauthors":[237],"class_list":["post-61178","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diets"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v20.2.1 (Yoast SEO v25.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Flexitarian Diet Pros and Cons: A Balanced Approach to Eating - BetterMe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The \u2605 FLEXITARIAN DIET PROS AND CONS \u27a4 offers a balanced and flexible approach to eating that can benefit both your health and the environment.\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, nofollow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Flexitarian Diet Pros and Cons: A Balanced Approach to Eating\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The \u2605 FLEXITARIAN DIET PROS AND CONS \u27a4 offers a balanced and flexible approach to eating that can benefit both your health and the environment.\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"BetterMe Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-06-21T15:39:23+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Brenda Peralta, CDE\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Brenda Peralta, CDE\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Brenda Peralta, CDE\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/684b905196868de699440ce3e6cc2959\"},\"headline\":\"Flexitarian Diet Pros and Cons: A Balanced Approach to Eating\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-06-21T15:39:23+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/\"},\"wordCount\":1822,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Diets\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"articleBody\":\"<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Nowadays, there\u2019s a diet for everyone. You\u2019ve probably heard about keto, paleo, Whole30\u2026 the list goes on and on. An option that has gained a lot of popularity is plant-based diets due to their countless health benefits.\u00a0<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span data-sheets-root=\\\"1\\\" data-sheets-value=\\\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;[video-shortcode link=\\\\&quot;https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Flexitarian_diet_pros_and_cons\\\\&quot; mp4=\\\\&quot;https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-2.mp4\\\\&quot;]&quot;}\\\" data-sheets-userformat=\\\"{&quot;2&quot;:256,&quot;11&quot;:3}\\\" data-sheets-formula=\\\"=replace(R[-12]C[0],SEARCH(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;,R[-12]C[0]),LEN(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;),R8C[0])\\\"><\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">However, if you eat meat on occasion but still want to get all the benefits of a <a href=\\\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/types-of-vegan-diets\/\\\">vegan diet<\/a>, you may find following a vegan diet to be too restrictive.\u00a0<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Enter the flexitarian diet. This approach offers the best of both vegan and meat-based diets. As a result, it allows you to enjoy a variety of foods without strict restrictions. It\u2019s perfect for those who are looking to improve their eating habits while also being kind to the planet.\u00a0<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">This post will help you grasp the essence of a flexitarian lifestyle to help you determine if it\u2019s the right choice for you and know how to incorporate it into your daily routine.\u00a0<\/span>\\r\\n<h2 style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\"><b>Understanding the Flexitarian Diet<\/b><\/h2>\\r\\n<h3 style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\"><b>What Is a Flexitarian Diet?<\/b><\/h3>\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">The flexitarian diet is a type of eating pattern that was created by dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner. She wanted to promote vegetarianism due to i ...\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/\",\"name\":\"Flexitarian Diet Pros and Cons: A Balanced Approach to Eating - BetterMe\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons.png\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-06-21T15:39:23+00:00\",\"description\":\"The \u2605 FLEXITARIAN DIET PROS AND CONS \u27a4 offers a balanced and flexible approach to eating that can benefit both your health and the environment.\u00a0\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons.png\",\"width\":1920,\"height\":1080},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Blog\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Diets\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/diets\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Flexitarian Diet Pros and Cons: A Balanced Approach to Eating\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/\",\"name\":\"BetterMe Blog\",\"description\":\"Health &amp; Fitness\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\",\"name\":\"BetterMe\",\"alternateName\":\"Betterme Limited\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/BetterMe.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/BetterMe.png\",\"width\":512,\"height\":512,\"caption\":\"BetterMe\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/betterme\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/betterme\/\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/betterme-apps\",\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/bettermetips\/\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC0svgcjc3jSgcryqo83spPQ\",\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@betterme.health.coaching\",\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/app\/betterme-health-coaching\/id1264546236\",\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.gen.workoutme&amp;amp;amp;amp;hl=en_US&amp;amp;amp;amp;gl=US\",\"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q114895798\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/684b905196868de699440ce3e6cc2959\",\"name\":\"Brenda Peralta, CDE\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/ab5d54db51cb8b86850db55260cd0ea3\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Brenda-150x150.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Brenda-150x150.png\",\"caption\":\"Brenda Peralta, CDE\"},\"description\":\"Brenda Peralta is a Certified Diabetes Educator, and Sports Nutritionist with a Bachelor\u2019s in Nutrition and Dietetics. With over 9 years of experience helping people reach their sports and nutrition goals, Brenda is also a Better Me Health Coach.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/author\/brenda-peralta\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Flexitarian Diet Pros and Cons: A Balanced Approach to Eating - BetterMe","description":"The \u2605 FLEXITARIAN DIET PROS AND CONS \u27a4 offers a balanced and flexible approach to eating that can benefit both your health and the environment.\u00a0","robots":{"index":"noindex","follow":"nofollow"},"og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Flexitarian Diet Pros and Cons: A Balanced Approach to Eating","og_description":"The \u2605 FLEXITARIAN DIET PROS AND CONS \u27a4 offers a balanced and flexible approach to eating that can benefit both your health and the environment.\u00a0","og_url":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/","og_site_name":"BetterMe Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching","article_modified_time":"2024-06-21T15:39:23+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1920,"height":1080,"url":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Brenda Peralta, CDE","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@betterme","twitter_site":"@betterme","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Brenda Peralta, CDE","Est. reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/"},"author":{"name":"Brenda Peralta, CDE","@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/684b905196868de699440ce3e6cc2959"},"headline":"Flexitarian Diet Pros and Cons: A Balanced Approach to Eating","dateModified":"2024-06-21T15:39:23+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/"},"wordCount":1822,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons.png","articleSection":["Diets"],"inLanguage":"en-US","articleBody":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nowadays, there\u2019s a diet for everyone. You\u2019ve probably heard about keto, paleo, Whole30\u2026 the list goes on and on. An option that has gained a lot of popularity is plant-based diets due to their countless health benefits.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;[video-shortcode link=\\&quot;https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Flexitarian_diet_pros_and_cons\\&quot; mp4=\\&quot;https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-2.mp4\\&quot;]&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:256,&quot;11&quot;:3}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=replace(R[-12]C[0],SEARCH(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;,R[-12]C[0]),LEN(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;),R8C[0])\"><\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, if you eat meat on occasion but still want to get all the benefits of a <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/types-of-vegan-diets\/\">vegan diet<\/a>, you may find following a vegan diet to be too restrictive.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enter the flexitarian diet. This approach offers the best of both vegan and meat-based diets. As a result, it allows you to enjoy a variety of foods without strict restrictions. It\u2019s perfect for those who are looking to improve their eating habits while also being kind to the planet.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This post will help you grasp the essence of a flexitarian lifestyle to help you determine if it\u2019s the right choice for you and know how to incorporate it into your daily routine.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Understanding the Flexitarian Diet<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>What Is a Flexitarian Diet?<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The flexitarian diet is a type of eating pattern that was created by dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner. She wanted to promote vegetarianism due to i ..."},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/","url":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/","name":"Flexitarian Diet Pros and Cons: A Balanced Approach to Eating - BetterMe","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons.png","dateModified":"2024-06-21T15:39:23+00:00","description":"The \u2605 FLEXITARIAN DIET PROS AND CONS \u27a4 offers a balanced and flexible approach to eating that can benefit both your health and the environment.\u00a0","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons.png","width":1920,"height":1080},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/flexitarian-diet-pros-and-cons\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Diets","item":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/diets\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Flexitarian Diet Pros and Cons: A Balanced Approach to Eating"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#website","url":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/","name":"BetterMe Blog","description":"Health &amp; Fitness","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization","name":"BetterMe","alternateName":"Betterme Limited","url":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/BetterMe.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/BetterMe.png","width":512,"height":512,"caption":"BetterMe"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching","https:\/\/x.com\/betterme","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/betterme\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/betterme-apps","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/bettermetips\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC0svgcjc3jSgcryqo83spPQ","https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@betterme.health.coaching","https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/app\/betterme-health-coaching\/id1264546236","https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.gen.workoutme&amp;amp;amp;amp;hl=en_US&amp;amp;amp;amp;gl=US","https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q114895798"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/684b905196868de699440ce3e6cc2959","name":"Brenda Peralta, CDE","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/ab5d54db51cb8b86850db55260cd0ea3","url":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Brenda-150x150.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Brenda-150x150.png","caption":"Brenda Peralta, CDE"},"description":"Brenda Peralta is a Certified Diabetes Educator, and Sports Nutritionist with a Bachelor\u2019s in Nutrition and Dietetics. 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