If you’re looking to add more fruits and veggies into your diet but don’t want to get rid of meat completely, then perhaps going flexitarian is for you. Offering more flexibility in your meal choices, a flexitarian diet allows you to enjoy meat from time to time. Now, whether you’re looking to start a healthier diet or simply trying to cut down on red meat, we’ve curated 3 vegan-friendly recipes you could try when considering a flexitarian diet. Remember, you should always consult with your doctor or nutritionist before starting a new eating plan.
What is a flexitarian diet ?
A flexitarian diet was created to help people still enjoy meat in moderation while also reaping the benefits of a vegetarian diet. It is essentially a flexible and alternative version of a vegetarian diet. So, you’d still be eating whole foods such as fruits, veggies, beans and legumes, while occasionally eating meat.
The principles
Due to the diet offering consumers more flexibility, a flexitarian diet consists of the following principles:
- Include more fruit, veggies, legumes and whole grains
- Limit sugar intake
- Incorporate meat and animal products from time to time
- Try getting most of your protein from plants instead of animals
What to eat
If you’re thinking about going flexitarian here are a few things you can add on to the list to eat:
- Tofu
- BodiCafé’s nuts and seeds range (almonds, walnuts, cashews etc)
- BodiCafé’s plant protein range (lentils, chickpeas, soybeans etc)
- BodiCafé’s nut butter
- Dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk
- Eggs
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Limited amounts of meat, seafood and poultry
The benefits
Following a flexitarian lifestyle could potentially provide the following health benefits:
- Decrease your risk of heart disease because diets rich in fibre are good for your heart health.
- Since a flexitarian diet limits your calorie intake and processed foods, it could help with weight loss.
- May assist in eliminating free radical damage thus reducing the risk of cancer.
- Limiting your meat take means you’ll be reducing your carbon footprint, leading to a more positive environmental impact.
Recipes to try out
Grilled salmon with sweet potatoes and broccoli
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 3 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
- ½ teaspoon salt, divided
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper, divided
- 4 cups broccoli
- 1,25 kg salmon fillet, cut into 4 portions
- 2 limes, 1 zested and juiced, 1 cut into wedges for serving
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup chopped fresh coriander
For the full recipe click here.
Avocado toast bagel
Ingredients you’ll need:
- ¼ medium avocado, mashed
- 1 slice whole-grain bread, toasted
- 2 teaspoons seasoning of choice
- Pinch of flaky sea salt
For the full recipe click here.
Greek salad wraps
Ingredients you’ll need:
- ⅓ cup red-wine vinegar
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh oreganum
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 pack of BodiCafé’s chickpeas, rinsed
- 1 medium cucumber, halved and sliced (1 1/2 cups)
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- ¼ cup sliced pitted olives
- ¼ cup red onion
- whole-wheat wraps
For the full recipe click here.
Kickstart your health journey and enjoy flexitarian eating with BodiCafé’s wide range of plant-based friendly products.
