Being flexitarian is like having an open relationship with fruits and vegetables. They are your companions, your friends, whom you see every day, who provide you with the energy you need to move forward. But if one day you fall into temptation and you can't resist that steak that provocatively winks your eye, nothing has happened here. You return to the vegetarian home behind your slip without regrets or self-deception. Nothing has been broken. They are things that happen. And it's even good that they pass. Of course, the exception cannot become the norm.This movement was born in the 90s in the United States. The word was first used by chef Helga Morath to define the menu he was going to offer in his restaurant. Next, we explain to you what exactly it is to be Flexitarian (you were already the same and you had not named it) and what benefits it has for your health.Frequency issue
Basically, the Flexitarians eat fruits, vegetables, legumes and cereals, but they do not close in band to other types of food, such as those prohibited by the vegetarian diet: meat and fish. It is often said that they consume 80% vegetarian diet and 20% that it is not. But the key is not there. What characterizes them is that foods of animal origin appear very occasionally in their diet. What sets this regime apart from others is the sporadic (but not prohibited) consumption of meat and fish. What difference is there then with a vegetarian who one day skips respect for the Flexitarian? Well, following vegetarian philosophy, he will have changed his diet, he will have incurred something he could not do to be faithful to the values he has chosen. On the other hand, the Flexitarian, in some way, has only exercised one of the options that is allowed.
The diet
The good thing about being flexitarian is that it allows you to set up a diet to your liking. In general, they usually take a couple of small portions of meat and fish a week. As for the rest of the diet, it follows a vegetarian model, but not vegan, that is, dairy and eggs can be allowed on a regular basis. In this way, the body has proteins of animal origin, which is the main handicap faced by pro vegetarians. Many Flexitarians also bet on carrying out five food intakes a day, not very copious, but that allow them to digest properly and avoid hunger attacks. But that, like almost everything in the flexitarian world, goes to the consumer's taste.
The choice of meat
It is really practical to be able to eat everything when you go to a restaurant or that day when your girlfriend's mother decides to prepare food to entertain you. But the exceptions that Flexitarians make do not usually have as much to do with social commitments as with the type of meat they choose to cheat on the vegetable. Since they have chosen to take care of themselves, they tend to get away from red meat and choose white ones. Several studies show that red meat can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Therefore, many are the Flexitarians who bet solely on poultry and fish. In many cases they also acquire organic meats. In general, the vegetarian diet is a great saving among those who carry it out, so scratching your pocket to have quality meat does not mean such a great sacrifice.
Seeds to power
One of the trends that Flexitarians usually follow is to add seeds to their diet. Flaxseed, for example, is very satiating and also helps with constipation problems, because it contains soluble fiber, which also controls cholesterol. And if that were not enough, it also provides Omega 3 fatty acids. Chia seeds have the same characteristics and also contain Omega 6. Sesame seeds, in addition to giving a delicious touch to any dish, protect the liver and provide minerals .
Lose weight without starving
One of the effects of this diet is that it regulates the weight. Unlike other diets, which involve reducing intake and, therefore, going hungry, it does not put a brake on the amount of food you eat. Anyway, if you want to lose weight with this diet, you can not abuse the nuts that although they are very healthy, are very caloric.
Proven Benefits
This type of diet has no contraindication. The best thing is that it can be done at any age, so parents and children can share it. Many vegetarians, for example, stop being so when they are parents, so this is a very good alternative for them. The benefits of fruits and vegetables are noticed in every way: more energy, a brighter skin, a stronger immune system ... And last, and not least, it is also a respectful diet with the environment.
