Discover what flexitarianism is
Stopping eating animal protein at once can be difficult for many people. If you’ve tried and missed it a lot, know that there is an alternative that can help you maintain a healthy diet with less meat. Have you ever heard of flexitarianism?
The term flexitarianism comes from the combination of the words “flexible” and “vegetarianism”. The idea is to reduce the intake of food of animal origin. The diet is based on the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, vegetable proteins and eventual ingestion of meat in general (beef, pork, chicken, fish and seafood).
Is there a difference from flex to vegetarianism, veganism and others?
According to the doctor, there are important differences. Vegetarians consume no meat of animal origin. Within vegetarianism, there are four aspects: strict vegetarianism, in which there is no consumption of any food or product of animal origin, lactovegetarianism, in which fans consume milk and derivatives such as yogurt, cheese and curd, and vegetarianism, which can be associated with the idea of lifestyle, as there is no intake, consumption or any activity that involves animal suffering.
In the nutrologist’s view, flexitarianism is a healthier way of eating. Red meat is a good source of protein, but it contains fats in the muscle fiber that hinder digestion and the full functioning of the gastric system.
“It is super important that we reduce the intake of red meat in our daily lives. High consumption increases the risk of developing heart disease, heart attack and high blood pressure, ”she says.
Is eating red meat a good thing every day?
According to Nivea, the Brazilian population has the habit of eating red meat twice a day, which is not recommended. The tip is to replace it with fish, seafood, eggs and organic chicken, but do not completely remove it from the menu, as beef and pork proteins have amino acids, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, phosphorus, zinc and essential for health.
These regimes are not dietary impositions, but alternatives for those who want to change to a healthier lifestyle. Not least because not everyone is able to eat whole vegetables or exchange red meat for other sources of protein due to the dedication of time, money and needs of each organism.
A more sustainable option and a step towards other forms of food
Flexitarianism prioritizes the origin of food and the way to consume it. This gradual reduction of meat in the dish can be a way to adhere to the almost zero intake of animal protein, if that is the intention, as the person decreases the amount to the point of not feeling as much pleasure or lack of eating.
Thinking about changing your diet radically? Before, look for a professional of the area. He will assess your tastes, routine and nutritional needs and help you with this transformation.
