The Flexitarian Diet: What To Know

Overview

The aim:

Weight loss, optimal health.

The claim:

Flexitarians weigh 15 percent less than their more carnivorous counterparts; have a lower rate of heart disease, diabetes and cancer; and live an average of 3.6 years longer.

The theory:

Flexitarian is a marriage of two words: Flexible and vegetarian. The term was coined more than a decade ago,and in her 2009 book, "The Flexitarian Diet: The Mostly Vegetarian Way to Lose Weight, Be Healthier, Prevent Disease and Add Years to Your Life," registered dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner says you don’t have to eliminate meat completely to reap the health benefits associated with vegetarianism – you can be a vegetarian most of the time, but still chow down on a burger or steak when the urge hits.

Balanced Diet

These diets fall within accepted ranges for the amount of protein, carbs, fat and other nutrients they provide.

Pros & Cons

• Flexible
• Lots of (tasty) recipes

• Emphasis on home-cooking
• Might be tough if you don’t like fruits and veggies