Should You Become a Flexitarian?
Between 2014 and 2018, Americans who converted to a vegan diet exploded by 600%. Remarkably, 71% of Americans have tried at least one plant-based meat alternative, sending plant-based food sales skyrocketing, topping $7 billion in 2020 and continuing to grow — no pun intended.
Plant-based eating plans have become the norm for many, either out of a desire not to eat animals or for health-related issues. Keto, Paleo, Vegan, Gluten Free and Vegetarianism have become well-known terms in the world of dietary restrictions. For most people, these are not fad diets but rather lifestyle choices. One of those latest trendier lifestyles is based on plant-based eating and is called flexitarian. Just what is it, and how does it work?
What is a flexitarian? Flexitarian diets or lifestyle is a form of eating focused on primarily plant-based foods while consuming meat and other animal products in moderation. Initially authored by dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner, it’s an effort to allow people to reap the benefits of plant-based or vegetarian eating without entirely giving up animal products. Hence, the name combines “Flexible” and “vegetarian” as it is more flexible than vegan or vegetarian diets.
Excerpted from KSL.com