Flexitarianism is one of the top 10 most searched diets on Google, yet we found that a lot of people still don’t fully understand it. Over 35% of responders on our IG survey last week believe Flexitarians don’t eat meat. Do you confuse “Flexitarian” with“Vegetarian” or “Vegan” too?
Surprisingly, most people (92% of those surveyed) also think it is easy for a daily meat-eater to switch to a plant-based diet. If you love your meat, fish and dairy, you’ll know it takes conscious, deliberate and disciplined effort to eat plant-based foods every meal for an entire day.
Yet, everyone polled seem to realise that a healthy, nutrient-dense diet doesn’t necessarily mean it is low in the calorie count too. We all seem to know that you can have healthy food that has lots of calories in it.
Of the top 3 most searched diets, including Keto, intermittent fasting and Paleodiets, many people confuse Flexitarianism with Pescatarianism. Indeed, they are the closest cousins. Pescatarians will eat fish and dairy, but no meat. Flexitarians eat everything Pescatarians do, but will allow themselves some meat.
Basically, Flexitarians are omnivores who are trying (not too hard) to veer towards Veganism.
#1 Plant-based diet don’t give you enough protein. False. Less meat in your diet will not mean you will become protein deficient. If you focus on plants and stock upon grains, oats, beans legumes, soy, tempeh, peanut butter, and even protein powders and shakes made of pea, hemp, brown rice and almonds in your daily diet, many of these products are loaded with nutrients and protein.
Ready-made plant-based products like Arlene’s Pistachio Kebabs for example, offer 54% of your daily protein requirements in just one serving. These products are low in calorie,100% plant-based, convenient and taste delicious.
#2 Plant-forward eating is expensive. False. Anyone who buys lots of vegetables and fruit and plant-based products will be able to compare the cost of locally grown produce to that of expensive imported fresh meats. It is more economical than them eat-heavy diet. To add value to your meals, stock up on seasonal greens and plant-based cheeses, dairy, alt meats and ready-to-eat cuisine like those from Arlene’s ready made selections.
#3 All plant-based foods are healthy. Sadly, False too. Although plant-based diets are healthier, there are some mock meats for example, that are heavily processed. The best strategy is to eat as much fresh produce as you can, and check the ingredient list of ready-made and packaged foods. The more chemicals, artificial additives, preservatives and sugar it uses, the less healthy these foods will be.
#4 Flexitarians stop eating meat. A plant-based focused diet doesn’t mean you have to stop eating meat altogether. Some people love the taste and texture of real meat. The beauty of Flexitarianism is its forgiving nature and how it understands that following a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, nuts and legumes doesn’t have to eschew meat forever too. We understand much of animal agriculture is unsustainable farming, we want to help the planet and become healthier. It is about being flexible, and allowing yourself to move away from meat, not forbidding it. When you allow room for flexibility, it helps ensure that you continue and stay consistent with the diet.
#5 Plant-based eating does not give you enough vitamins and minerals. False. Plants are the most nutrient-packed foods! Vitamin C in citrus foods, calcium, iron and zinc in leafy greens, protein in soy, and all those lovely amino acids and vitamins, especially B12. Check the labels! Your heart will thank you. Earth will thank you too.
