Be aware: this is only the goal of this diet, not necessarily its outcome. Results vary from person to person. Consult your doctor or dietician before starting this (or any other) diet.
When you follow a flexitarian diet you eat meat and/or fish on some days. Other days you eat like a vegetarian. That is why the diet is also called a semi-vegetarian diet.
On the homepage you can compare this diet with other diets.
The term flexitarian can already be used if you consciously don't eat meat or fish for one day a week. At the other end of the spectrum are flexitarians who occasionally eat meat or fish, but mainly follow a vegetarian diet.
Flexitarians follow a semi-vegetarian diet. In contrast to a vegan diet, animal products such as dairy products and eggs are used.
A vegetarian diet that includes fish and seafood, but excludes meat is called a pescetarian diet.
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Sustainability can be a reason to be a flexitarian diet. The demand for meat and fish is a burden to the environment. A flexitarian diet can help to reduce energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption, among other things. Another reason mentioned is the burden on animal welfare by eating meat and fish.
In addition to sustainability and animal welfare, potential health benefits of eating less meat and/or fish, or the cost of (good) meat or (good) fish, can be a reason to eat flexitarian.
The book ‘Flexitarisch koken – makkelijk en snel’ (Dutch book that translates to ’Flexitarian Cooking - Quick & Easy) contains 68 recipes for flexitarian cooking. You can think of dishes that are 'almost vegan' or contain 'a bit of fish'. Another example of a cookbook for flexitarians is the Dutch book 'De flexitariër'.
An example of another diet that focuses on sustainability is PureHealth. Another diet that involves eating less meat or fish is the Longevity diet.
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As you see fit
With the professional help of a dietitian it should be easier to reach your goals. Please contact a dietician in your area or talk to a doctor before starting any diet.
Please take note that most diets do not have a scientific basis.
Consult your doctor or dietician before starting a diet, especially if you have a chronic condition like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lung disease or kidney disease.
If you think you might have an eating disorder (like anorexia or bulimia), it is important to look for professional help. Contact your (house) doctor or find help elsewhere. Here you can find a list of several websites that can provide (online) help. These sites also provide information for people that know someone with an eating disorder.