{"id":23286,"date":"2021-02-22T21:40:28","date_gmt":"2021-02-22T21:40:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/?p=23286"},"modified":"2021-02-23T19:34:25","modified_gmt":"2021-02-23T19:34:25","slug":"what-is-the-flexitarian-diet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/what-is-the-flexitarian-diet\/","title":{"rendered":"A Dietitian&#8217;s Honest Review of the Flexitarian Diet"},"content":{"rendered":"<em>What is the flexitarian diet, exactly? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/author\/shavonne-morrison\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Shavonne Morrison, MS, RD, LD<\/a>, investigates its benefits and meal plan staples. Plus: Does the trending, semi-vegetarian diet plan get this dietitian&#8217;s approval?<\/em>\r\n\r\nIn light of the ineffectiveness and restrictiveness of many other diets, the Flexitarian Diet is surging in popularity.\r\n\r\nBut is this diet really unique? And beyond that, is it right for you? Read on to find out.\r\n<h2>First, what is the flexitarian diet?<\/h2>\r\nThe Flexitarian Diet rethinks vegetarianism by including options that aren&#8217;t traditionally considered vegetarian\u2014hence the &#8220;flexible&#8221; and &#8220;vegetarian&#8221; word combination.\r\n\r\nAccording to <em>The Flexitarian Diet <\/em>author, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dawnjacksonblatner.com\/books\/the-flexitarian-diet\/\">DJ Blatner, RDN<\/a>, the goal is to minimize meat consumption and focus on foods that can be <em>added<\/em> to the diet, rather than taken away. The driving idea is to prevent dieters from adopting a restrictive mindset, which is often a major contributing factor to unsuccessful dieting. (For instance, so-called flexitarians can eat meat occasionally.)\r\n\r\nConversely, expanding the variety of your diet can pave the way for success by giving you a sense of freedom and making the transition to following the diet more manageable.\r\n\r\nIn sum, this diet incorporates <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/what-a-dietitian-eats-in-a-day\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">elements of mindfulness<\/a> to maintain a healthy relationship with food. It&#8217;s all about finding a balance that&#8217;s right for you.\r\n\r\n<img data-dominant-color=\"968b84\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #968b84;\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-23364 aligncenter not-transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/What-is-the-Flexitarian-Diet-The-Wellnest-by-HUM-Nutrition.jpg\" alt=\"Woman unpacking her grocery bags with Flexitarian Diet staples like veggies and plant-based protein\" width=\"770\" height=\"523\" \/>\r\n<h2>Benefits of the Flexitarian Diet<\/h2>\r\nNow let&#8217;s get to the part you&#8217;re probably curious about: What are the supposed benefits of the Flexitarian Diet?\r\n\r\nIn <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/books\/edition\/The_Flexitarian_Diet_The_Mostly_Vegetari\/Afa_dYtzhM4C?hl=en&amp;gbpv=1&amp;printsec=frontcover\">her book<\/a>, Blatner states that the Flexitarian Diet&#8217;s goal is to:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>help you lose 15 percent of your body weight<\/li>\r\n \t<li>maintain heart (and general) health<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/dr-david-sinclair-longevity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">promote longevity<\/a> + increase energy<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nNo matter your health goals, most people can benefit from the lifestyle changes outlined in this book. After all, who doesn&#8217;t want to have more energy and live longer?\r\n\r\nOf course, it&#8217;s always smart to get ahead of the game by making lifestyle choices that promote overall health and wellness.\r\n<h2>What can you eat on the Flexitarian Diet?<\/h2>\r\nThe basic eating principles of the Flexitarian Diet come down to a few things:\r\n<ul class=\"hl-long-line\">\r\n \t<li>focus on fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains<\/li>\r\n \t<li>include more plant-based <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/why-do-we-need-protein\/\">protein<\/a> sources<\/li>\r\n \t<li>incorporate meat + animal products in moderation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>limit processed foods, added sugars, and sweets<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThese principles sound a lot like what many registered dietitians recommend, and are similar to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.myplate.gov\/eat-healthy\/what-is-myplate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">USDA&#8217;s guidelines<\/a> as well.\r\n\r\nThis balance also sets the Flexitarian Diet apart from many others that tend to eliminate entire food groups, which can lead to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/reasons-to-take-supplements\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">vitamin and mineral deficiencies<\/a>.\r\n<h2>What can&#8217;t you eat on the flexitarian diet?<\/h2>\r\nTo begin, Blatner suggests cutting back on added sugars. They&#8217;re commonly found in sweets and beverages such as soda and your morning latte.\r\n\r\nNext, since this diet is modifies the traditional vegetarian diet, you&#8217;re going to cut back on meat\u2014 especially red meats like beef, pork, lamb, veal, and goat. You can slowly phase these out according to your comfort level.\r\n\r\nWhen you do opt for meat, prioritize lean or white meats (such as chicken and turkey) since they&#8217;re considered more healthful. Additionally, fish contains <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/omega-fatty-acids\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">heart-healthy fats<\/a>, making it an ideal option over red meat, too.\r\n\r\n<img data-dominant-color=\"bfa397\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #bfa397;\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-23365 aligncenter not-transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/What-do-you-eat-on-a-Flexitarian-Diet-The-Wellnest-by-HUM-Nutrition.jpg\" alt=\"Man pouring out mixed nuts to get plant-based proteins on the Flexitarian Diet\" width=\"770\" height=\"489\" \/>\r\n<h2>What&#8217;s on the Flexitarian Diet meal plan?<\/h2>\r\nThis semi-vegetarian diet is broken down into &#8220;Five Flex Food Groups&#8221; with accompanying principles and suggestions.\r\n<h3>1. Plant-Based Protein<\/h3>\r\nOpt for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/plant-based-diet-myths\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">plant-based proteins<\/a>, such as:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>lentils<\/li>\r\n \t<li>quinoa<\/li>\r\n \t<li>beans<\/li>\r\n \t<li>nuts<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>2. Fruits + Veggies<\/h3>\r\nThis group includes your primary sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, as you:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>emphasize sugar intake from fruit (rather than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/effects-of-sugar\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">processed sugars<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>focus on eating lots of vegetables<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>3. Whole-Wheat Grains<\/h3>\r\nPrioritize whole-grain sources amongst:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>pasta<\/li>\r\n \t<li>bread<\/li>\r\n \t<li>popcorn<\/li>\r\n \t<li>brown rice<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>4. Low-Fat Dairy<\/h3>\r\nChoose low-fat sources of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/dairy-and-acne\/\">dairy<\/a>, including:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>fermented dairy (kefir)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>yogurt<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>5. Spices + Other Flavorings<\/h3>\r\nThis category explores ways to add flavor to foods while minimizing calories, via:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>herbs and spices<\/li>\r\n \t<li>salad dressings<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/healthy-fats-list\/\">healthy fats<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nFor a more thorough Flexitarian Diet meal plan, there&#8217;s a &#8220;Five Week Flex&#8221; outline included in Blatner&#8217;s book. Plus, there are plenty available online as well.\r\n\r\nHowever, she emphasizes that you don&#8217;t have to rigidly adhere to the designated meal plans and can make changes at your own pace.\r\n\r\n<img data-dominant-color=\"8b7872\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #8b7872;\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-23363 aligncenter not-transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Flexitarian-Diet-Meal-Plan-The-Wellnest-by-HUM-Nutrition.jpg\" alt=\"Couple at home sharing dinner on the Flexitarian Diet meal plan\" width=\"770\" height=\"489\" \/>\r\n<h2>Does research support the Flexitarian Diet&#8217;s claims?<\/h2>\r\nFirst, there are many studies that suggest lowering your intake of red meat <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S1470204515004441\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">can benefit your health<\/a>. Red meats are sometimes cooked or processed in a way that produces harmful chemicals, which may be linked to the development of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iarc.who.int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/pr240_E.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">several serious health conditions<\/a>.\r\n\r\nSecond, a 2017\u00a0review notes that out of 25 studies, there&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/28111625\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">significant evidence<\/a> demonstrating that following a Flexitarian Diet improves metabolic health, blood pressure, and lowers the risk of developing gastrointestinal distress.\r\n\r\nLastly, a 2020 study states that the Flexitarian Diet <a style=\"background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 1rem;\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33359236\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">may be more effective<\/a><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"> than traditional vegetarian or vegan diets at maintaining heart health. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">It also investigated young adults&#8217; motivations for choosing a Flexitarian lifestyle, finding that the ability to compromise was a major factor. For instance, participants could partake in social dining and enjoy occasional meals that included meat at their discretion.<\/span>\r\n\r\nOverall, there&#8217;s plenty of evidence that supports increasing your fruit and vegetable intake, reducing red meat intake, and eating moderate amounts of lean meat are beneficial to your health.\r\n<h2>A Dietitian&#8217;s Flexitarian Diet Review<\/h2>\r\nAs a registered dietitian, when it comes recommending particular diets, I mainly assess that it:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>doesn&#8217;t exclude any major food groups<\/li>\r\n \t<li>isn&#8217;t overly restrictive or unrealistic<\/li>\r\n \t<li>is accessible for most people<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThe Flexitarian Diet allows for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/eat-the-rainbow\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">lots of variety<\/a> and doesn&#8217;t entirely remove any one food group. It encourages its followers to mindfully listen to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/what-your-food-cravings-mean\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">their body&#8217;s cravings<\/a> by eating meat on occasion. It&#8217;s also more accessible than other diets because of its wealth of options and the agency it gives to its dieters to make food choices that best suit their needs.\r\n\r\nI like that this diet empowers people instead of asking them to mindlessly abide by rules and restrictions. Other diets may assume they have to tell you what and how to eat. Conversely, this diet emphasizes leading a plant-based lifestyle while incorporating meat as the dieter sees fit.\r\n\r\nAbove all, the Flexitarian Diet trains you to eat well, which means it&#8217;s more lifestyle-oriented. For this reason, I feel confident recommending this diet for people seeking guidelines to balance their nutritional intake.\r\n\r\nThat said, my only caveat would be to avoid long-term dieting altogether. Instead, use healthy diet plans such as this one as &#8220;training wheels&#8221; you can take off once you&#8217;re ready to make permanent dietary changes.\r\n\r\n<img data-dominant-color=\"9f9180\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #9f9180;\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-23366 size-full not-transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/How-to-start-a-flexitarian-diet-The-Wellnest-by-HUM-Nutrition.jpg\" alt=\"Father and son preparing veggies for a healthy meal\" width=\"770\" height=\"514\" \/>\r\n<h2>How to Start a Flexitarian Diet<\/h2>\r\nBefore you jump into this diet, here are some tips to help ensure your journey is successful.\r\n<h3>Check In with Your &#8220;Why&#8221;<\/h3>\r\nAssess your motivations to start this (or any other) diet. Some prompts include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Do you think you have to be on a diet to be healthy?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Do you want to explore new ideas of how to change your eating habits for the long haul?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Are you searching for a quick-fix <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/how-much-weight-can-you-lose-in-a-month\/\">weight loss<\/a> solution?<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nTake some time to reflect, and be honest with yourself before going on a diet.\r\n\r\nIt&#8217;s best to start with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/what-is-mindful-eating\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">healthy headspace<\/a>, in which you know that the outcome of the diet doesn&#8217;t define you or your self-worth. Ideally, you&#8217;re looking to make a long-term change and begin a process that permits plenty of space to grow and adapt as you learn.\r\n<h3>Read the Book<\/h3>\r\nConsider reading <em>The Flexitarian Diet<\/em> in full so you better understand the reasoning behind the diet and get dietitian-approved meal plans.\r\n\r\n<strong>Tip:<\/strong> Check your local library and see if they have a copy available. Otherwise, you can buy a more affordable <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Flexitarian-Diet-Vegetarian-Healthier-Prevent-ebook\/dp\/B001FA0OAK\/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=&amp;sr=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">e-book version<\/a>.\r\n<h3>Stay Flexible<\/h3>\r\n<span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Diets aren&#8217;t for everyone, and every diet isn&#8217;t for everyone. Read: Go in with an open mind and don&#8217;t put too much pressure on yourself.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Changing your lifestyle habits isn&#8217;t easy. Further, progress doesn&#8217;t happen overnight. If you don&#8217;t see the results you want after giving the Flexitarian Diet an honest try, consider taking a break or meeting with a registered dietitian to see what your other options are.<\/span>\r\n<h3>Consult Your Doctor<\/h3>\r\nLast but not least, you and your doctor know your health history better than anyone else. For that reason, it&#8217;s wise to meet with your physician any time you considering trying out a new diet plan.\n<div  class=\"products-block -mx-4 md:mx-0 my-10\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/product\/62\/counter-cravings\" class=\"text-xs text-dark hover:!text-dark flex items-center border border-light rounded p-4 group !no-underline mb-4 relative pb-16 sm:pb-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shrink-0 mr-4\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.humnutrition.com\/assets\/3330c8c0-7ede-11f0-a0ef-c10dbf4f15a4.png\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" class=\"object-cover transition-opacity group-hover:opacity-80 !mb-0\" alt=\"Counter Cravings\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grow pr-4\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"mb-2 flex flex-col sm:flex-row sm:items-center divide-x-0 sm:divide-x divide-light text-sm\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pt-1 pr-2 flex\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"flex mr-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"mr-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"16\"><path d=\"m11.532 4.697 4.353.663c.36.053.664.316.828.64.066.397 0 .791-.288 1.06l-3.157 3.193.745 4.581a1.01 1.01 0 0 1-.39.978c-.3.188-.698.25-1.022.072l-3.888-2.14-3.889 2.14c-.327.178-.724.116-1.024-.072a1.008 1.008 0 0 1-.388-.978l.745-4.581L1 7.06C.713 6.79.646 6.397.713 6c.162-.324.464-.587.827-.64l4.35-.663L7.842.563c.16-.344.5-.563.87-.563.372 0 .711.219.872.563z\"\/><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"mr-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"16\"><path d=\"m11.532 4.697 4.353.663c.36.053.664.316.828.64.066.397 0 .791-.288 1.06l-3.157 3.193.745 4.581a1.01 1.01 0 0 1-.39.978c-.3.188-.698.25-1.022.072l-3.888-2.14-3.889 2.14c-.327.178-.724.116-1.024-.072a1.008 1.008 0 0 1-.388-.978l.745-4.581L1 7.06C.713 6.79.646 6.397.713 6c.162-.324.464-.587.827-.64l4.35-.663L7.842.563c.16-.344.5-.563.87-.563.372 0 .711.219.872.563z\"\/><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"mr-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"16\"><path d=\"m11.532 4.697 4.353.663c.36.053.664.316.828.64.066.397 0 .791-.288 1.06l-3.157 3.193.745 4.581a1.01 1.01 0 0 1-.39.978c-.3.188-.698.25-1.022.072l-3.888-2.14-3.889 2.14c-.327.178-.724.116-1.024-.072a1.008 1.008 0 0 1-.388-.978l.745-4.581L1 7.06C.713 6.79.646 6.397.713 6c.162-.324.464-.587.827-.64l4.35-.663L7.842.563c.16-.344.5-.563.87-.563.372 0 .711.219.872.563z\"\/><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"mr-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"16\"><path d=\"m11.532 4.697 4.353.663c.36.053.664.316.828.64.066.397 0 .791-.288 1.06l-3.157 3.193.745 4.581a1.01 1.01 0 0 1-.39.978c-.3.188-.698.25-1.022.072l-3.888-2.14-3.889 2.14c-.327.178-.724.116-1.024-.072a1.008 1.008 0 0 1-.388-.978l.745-4.581L1 7.06C.713 6.79.646 6.397.713 6c.162-.324.464-.587.827-.64l4.35-.663L7.842.563c.16-.344.5-.563.87-.563.372 0 .711.219.872.563z\"\/><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"mr-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"16\"><path d=\"m8.713 3 1.54 3.61 3.46.58L11.207 10l.588 4-3.082-1.878zm4.555 7.253 3.157-3.193c.288-.269.354-.663.288-1.06-.164-.324-.467-.587-.828-.64l-4.353-.663L9.584.562A.965.965 0 0 0 8.713 0a.965.965 0 0 0-.871.562L5.89 4.697l-4.35.663c-.363.053-.665.316-.827.64-.067.397 0 .791.287 1.06l3.157 3.193-.745 4.581a1.01 1.01 0 0 0 .388.978c.3.188.697.25 1.024.072l3.889-2.14 3.888 2.14c.324.178.721.116 1.021-.072a1.01 1.01 0 0 0 .391-.978z\"\/><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t4.2\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pt-1 sm:pl-2 text-medium\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t410 Reviews\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"text-base font-semibold mb-1 group-hover:text-primary\">Counter Cravings<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"mb-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\thelps reduce cravings + boost metabolism\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"absolute bottom-4 left-4 right-4 sm:bottom-0 sm:left-0 sm:right-0 sm:relative inline-flex justify-center bg-primary group-hover:bg-primary-light text-white rounded py-3 px-12 leading-none text-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"pr-1.5 border-r border-primary-lightest\">$50<\/span><span class=\"pl-1.5\">SHOP NOW<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"self-start\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is the flexitarian diet, exactly? Shavonne Morrison, MS, RD, LD, investigates its benefits and meal plan staples. Plus: Does the trending, semi-vegetarian diet plan get this dietitian&#8217;s approval? In light of the ineffectiveness and restrictiveness of many other diets, the Flexitarian Diet is surging in popularity. But is this diet really unique? And beyond [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":23362,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_toc_level":"h2","_toc_min":2,"footnotes":""},"categories":[819,823],"tags":[252,863,431,339,685],"coauthors":[],"class_list":["post-23286","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-food","category-healthy-eating","tag-clean-eating","tag-healthy-habits","tag-mindfulness","tag-plant-based","tag-vegetarian"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.2 (Yoast SEO v24.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>A Dietitian&#039;s Honest Review of the Flexitarian Diet | HUM Nutrition Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Wondering what the Flexitarian Diet is? An RD investigates its benefit claims and what you can (and can&#039;t) eat on it. Plus: her final review.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/what-is-the-flexitarian-diet\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"A Dietitian&#039;s Honest Review of the Flexitarian Diet\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Wondering what the Flexitarian Diet is? An RD investigates its benefit claims and what you can (and can&#039;t) eat on it. 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