| Want To Eat Clean Without Going To Extremes? Try A Flexitarian Diet |
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A "flexitarian" is term new to the urban dictionary but it basically means an omnivore who maintains a mostly plant-based diet but still eats modest sized servings of land animal foods (such as chicken, beef, dairy and eggs) and seafood (shellfish and fish) one or two times a day.
A "flexitarian" is term new to the urban dictionary but it basically means an omnivore who maintains a mostly plant-based diet but still eats modest sized servings of land animal foods (such as chicken, beef, dairy and eggs) and seafood (shellfish and fish) one or two times a day. You bother being a "flexitarian"? Why not just go all out and become a vegan? A vegan diet is certainly one way to go as a large body of research points in the direction of a vegan diet being one of the healthiest diets in the world. But unfortunately a vegan diet is very restricting. The average person simply is most likely not able to commit to this way of eating long-term, or at least they most likely won't be able to commit to eating a truly healthy vegan diet (remember, donuts and potato chips are considered vegan foods, but these foods certainly aren't representative of the intrinsically healthy vegan spirit!) Being a "flexitarian" or a part-time vegetarian is simply a more doable way to eat for the vast majority of people. "Flexitarianism" is more "real world"which means you are more likely to stick with it! How Can You Lose Weight and Gain Healthy By Being a Flexitarian? There really are four key reasons for eating a predominantly plant-based vegan diet including: 1. You'll eat less saturated fat as a "Flexitarian". A significant source of saturated fat in the standard American diet (S.A.D.) is derived from animal foods such as chicken, eggs, beef and dairy. The saturated fat in these animal foods is harmful to our health and very different than the saturated fat from plant foods (such as coconuts). Animal-based saturated fat is notoriously terrible for heart health but it can also increase inflammation, which can worsen the symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, fibromyalgia, asthma, allergies, multiple sclerosis, etc. Inflammation also interferes with your body's fat-burning abilities, thus making weight management more difficult. 2. Plant-based diets are rich in phytochemicals. Only plant-based vegan foods contain disease-fighting, anti-inflammatory and metabolism supporting phytochemicals. These substances are one of natures most powerful antioxidants and they work to prevent both the internal and external oxidation that accelerates visible and cellular aging. Plant foods contain hundreds of phytochemicals that work together on many different cellular levels to optimize health. They also enable your body to burn fat for fuel faster by stimulating PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors). PPAR's reduce fat-storing insulin levels and even lower cholesterol. 3. "Flexitarians" get more fiber. Fiber is often an overlooked nutrient but it's essential for optimal human health. Fiber is only found in plant based foods and is not found in animal foods. Eating a plant-based fiber-rich diet is essential if you want to be able to eat until you are full and satisfied without worrying about gaining weight. This is because fiber expands and takes up space in your stomach, so you feel full and satisfied on fewer calories. Fiber also improves your cholesterol profile, helps detoxify your body and reduces the risk of certain types of cancer. 4. Plant-based diets are naturally less calorically dense. As long as you eat unrefined plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans you will naturally be eating a very low calorie but high nutrient diet. Eating high nutrient to low calorie foods will help you maintain a healthy weight and slow the aging process. Becoming a flexitarian is all about striking a balance. It's also about options and opening yourself up to a fresh new world of eating. You'll have the freedom and flexibility to enjoy some animal foods, so you won't feel deprived, but you'll reap the numerous health and weight loss benefits of adding more unrefined plant foods to your diet. DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice. A flexitarian diet can be a simple and easy way to lose weight and live a healthy lifestyle. Visit other articles by Ivy Larson, author of the bestselling Gold Coast Cure and the Whole Foods Diet Cookbook. Get the information you want today and start eating clean. |