What is Flexitarianism?

Have you ever head the term "Flexitarian" before? It was coined in the 1990's and is being used more commonly now, referring to a diet that is "mostly meatless". If you decide you would like to include fewer animal products in your diet without eliminating them entirely, you would call yourself a Flexitarian. Just as people have various reasons for being vegetarians, the same hold true for this type of diet.

Eating meatless meals more often can lower your intake of fat and cholesterol, increase your intake of fiber, and result in a healthier diet, overall. Another reason people choose the flexitarian way is for the environment. Larger livestock--like cows and pigs--use more resources and create more waste than other meat sources.

There are still more terms to describe diets that eliminate different animal products: if you only eat poultry (but avoid pork, beef and fish) this is called a pollotarian diet; if you eat fish and seafood (but not beef, pork, or poultry) you are a pescetarian.

The bottom line is, it's totally acceptable to be "vegetarian inclined" without making a commitment. If you decide to eat animal products less often, avoid them altogether but still eat poultry and/or fish, or eat more meals that are meatless, you'll be a member of an ever-growing group who are trying to do the same!