What’s in your diet? Are you a meat and potatoes person or do you like to mix it up? If you’re willing to try something new, then a flexitarian diet might be that thing. You might be wondering how to be flexitarian or even what is flexitarianism? Read below to get some information for beginners.
What is Flexitarianism?
Being a flexitarian or semi-vegetarian is relatively simple. Essentially, flexitarians eat plant-based diets most of the time. You could call them part-time vegetarians. They reap the benefits of a vegetarian diet and still get to eat meat on occasion. Seems like the best of both worlds!
There have been countless research studies on vegetarian diets, and here is one that studied flexitarianism. They found significant evidence of this being a beneficial diet. Some of the benefits of a flexitarian diet are:
- Reduced Chance of Diabetes and Other Illnesses
- Helps Weight Loss
- Enhanced Nutrition
- Better Metabolism Functioning
- You Can Still Eat Foods You Love
The last benefit sold it for me. I was a vegetarian for about 2 years in the past, and I fell off the wagon because I love sushi. With flexitarianism, you can still have steak, sushi, chicken, or whatever it is your desire – as long as you’re eating vegetarian most of the time!
It might be difficult for someone to jump right into this lifestyle, so we’ve put together an easy beginner’s guide that anyone can follow to start flexitarianism.
Start Slow to Be Flexitarian
If this is something that you really want to try, then gradually ease yourself into being flexitarian. Starting any new routine, especially one that deals with your diet, is a big change that takes time.
The more meat that you eat, the more difficult the change will be. Start small by choosing one day of the week to meatless. Plan your meals for that day so you won’t be tempted to just eat meat and “start next week.”
Do this for a couple of weeks then add another day. Build yourself up over time to whatever level of flexitarianism you desire. For example, if you want to only eat meat 1 day a week, then progress to this in the same format.
Find New Recipes
Add new recipes into your repertoire. Here is an inexpensive flexitarian cookbook. Finding new dishes to make will keep you motivated to keep adding healthy meals into your diet. You can plan ahead of time, so you know you’ll stay on track.
In the beginning, if you still crave meat, add a bit to whichever dish you are trying from the cookbook. Once you’re ready, just take the meat portion out and try the meal without it. Having a reference is a great help when you’re not sure what to eat or cook – since your options are a bit more limited now.
Make Less Meat to Be Flexitarian

Even on the days you are planning to eat meat, make less than you normally do. This will ensure that you will wean yourself off of regular portions. If a big 12-ounce steak is your thing, cut that in half. Eat a 6-ounce steak then add more vegetables and sides to your dish. You’ll even have the other 6-ounce piece left over for your next meal!
Try to have a lot of fruits and vegetables on standby so you’ll have a lot of options for side dishes. The more to choose from, the better. This will allow for motivation to try new things, as well as keep you away from sticking more meat on the plate.
Avoid Unhealthy Choices
Have you ever met a vegetarian or vegan that only eats potato chips and candy? They are following the diet, but not in a healthy way. Try not to supplement flexitarianism with unhealthy food choices. The point is to build your wellness, so if you find yourself eating chips for dinner on non-meat days – reevaluate your plan and goals.
This goes for other areas of lifestyle as well. Try to start and exercise routine, end any bad habits, and whatever else you want to work on in tandem with this diet. You will be surprised and overjoyed at the many health benefits you will be realizing!
Try Culture Week to Be Flexitarian
If you’re out of food ideas or simply sick of the same meals, try to dedicate a week (or just a day) to a specific culture. Choose any that you like and plan your menu. This is a fun way to either stay on track or restart the engine of motivation. Build this into your plan whenever you want to.
You might want to try a Japanese diet for the week. If this is the case, do some research and go shopping. You’ll find yourself eating a lot of rice, noodles, seaweed, fish, and tofu. You can make a lot of different dishes just with these five ingredients. The possibilities are fun and endless.
Final
Continue researching and finding new resources to stay on the flexitarian path. There are many more benefits to choosing this lifestyle, and you’re just beginning! This will be a new and exciting time if you progress with this diet. Good Luck!