Good for Your Heart: Flexitarian Diet
The term “flexitarian” actually comes from two words: flexible and vegetarian. A flexitarian diet is mostly vegetarian, with the option to eat meat once in a while. The flexitarian diet features plant-based proteins like beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds, rather than animal proteins, while also incorporating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy.
Even if there’s virtually no rule saying how often you should eat meat while on the flexitarian diet, it’s a good idea to steer clear of meat as much as you can.
Here’s a typical day on the flexitarian diet:
- Breakfast—Oatmeal with fruit and nuts.
- Lunch—A whole-grain wrap filled with vegetables and chickpeas for lunch.
- Snack—Yogurt with berries and granola.
- Dinner—Vegetable-noodle soup with either white beans or chicken.
