So what does that possibly mean? Flexitarianism is a hybrid, personal diet, which varies based on the person following it. That is to say, someone may strictly adhere to Meatless Mondays or be completely vegan before dark, or only eat meat or dairy (or both) on special occasions, and all of these people fit into the flexitarian diet. The commonalities is that the intention behind a flexitarian diet is to eat fewer animal products, whether for environmental, ethical, or nutritional reasons, or an amalgamation of all three. Flexitarians do not eat meat at every meal, and some only eat small amounts of meat rather than making it their main protein. The beauty of a flexitarian diet is that the consumer can design it to fit their lifestyle. And many brands are eager to help. Flexitarian cruises, meal kits, restaurant menus, and more are offering consumers the option to eat more plant-based foods, making animal-derived products an accessory rather than the main ingredient. Sound super doable? It is! If you’re eager to break into flexitarianism, start by thinking about why the diet appeals to you, and what changes you want to make. Do you want to only eat animal protein a few days a week? Substitute dairy products for their plant-derived counterparts? Switch out your weekend bacon for tempeh? Only order vegetarian entrees at restaurants or cook vegetarian at home and eat meat when you go out or go on vacation? Flexitarianism is just what it sounds like, flexible vegetarianism, so you can prioritize your nutrition, cravings, and budget in a way that best suits your lifestyle. If you’re ready to embrace a flexitarian diet, here are a few recipes to get you started. RELATED: 9 Ways to Add More Protein to Your Favorite Pasta Dish—and Recipes to Get You Started
