What is the flexitarian diet and how is it different from veganism?

Around the world there are different cultures, lifestyles or preferences that have generated that today there are a multitude of diets to choose from.

In Spain, for example, there are numerous diets such as Mediterranean, vegetarian, vegan, and others less known such as flexitarian, which we will talk about below.

And, although it may be the first time you have heard the name of this diet, the reality is that already adds an important number of followers in our country.

In fact, you may even be a Flexitarian and haven’t realized it yet. But don’t worry, you can check it by reading this post.

What is the flexitarian diet or flexitarianism?

This is surely the first thing you have asked yourself. The flexitarian diet is one whose diet It is based on a vegetarian diet, but without giving up food of animal origin, being able to consume occasionally and for different reasons products of said origin, such as seafood, meat, fish, etc.

In addition, for adherents of this diet, consuming meat does not represent a feeling of guilt.

As for the its benefits, foods of vegetable origin and their corresponding nutrients provide a sporadic intake of those of animal origin, but without entering the “excesses” of consuming only plant foods, as occurs with other diets.

How is it different from a vegetarian diet?

There is a big difference between this diet and the vegetarian one. The first difference is obvious: Vegetarians give up meat, fish, and eggs, while Flexitarians don’t.

Therefore, do not make the mistake of thinking that flexitarians are “half vegetarians.”

However, it is true that the origin of the name of this diet is closely related to vegetarianism, since it is formed from the union of the terms flexible and vegetarian. This does not mean that the flexitarian diet is a subtype within the vegetarian one.

And, as for animal abuse, as we have already pointed out, flexitarians do not have a feeling of guilt, although this is theory and does not have to correspond to individual practice. In this way, flexitarians can be more concerned with related issues such as organic agriculture, extensive livestock or sustainable fishing, among other issues similar to these.

In summary, the flexitarian diet is based on following a flexible eating style inasmuch as it allows sporadic food of animal origin, and that it also follows the basics of the Mediterranean diet to a fair degree, although including a great variety of vegetables, fruits, vegetables, etc.

To conclude, we can say that this diet seeks to achieve a healthier and more sustainable diet, being low in natural fats and cholesterol, cardi-protective, high in nutrients and fiber.