Flexitarianism is an eating style that has gained more and more popularity in recent years. This is a flexible approach that allows individuals to enjoy a diet based primarily on plant foods, but occasionally including animal products.
Differences between flexitarianism, veganism and vegetarianism:
Flexitarians choose to follow a diet based mainly on foods of plant origin, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts. However, they also allow the occasional inclusion of animal products such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. The idea is to reduce the consumption of meat and other animal products, without completely eliminating them from the diet.
Vegans do not consume any products of animal origin, whether in food, clothing or in other areas of their daily lives. In addition to excluding meat, fish and dairy products, they also avoid eggs, honey and other animal ingredients in their diet. Veganism is motivated by ethical, environmental and health issues.
Vegetarianism is a diet that excludes meat, but allows the consumption of products of animal origin, such as eggs and dairy products . There are different forms of vegetarianism, the main ones being ovolactovegetarianism, which includes eggs and dairy products, and lactovegetarianism, which allows only dairy products. Like veganism, vegetarianism can be motivated by ethical, environmental and health reasons.
Although flexitarianism shares similarities with vegetarianism and veganism, it stands out for its flexibility. Flexitarians have the freedom to adapt their diet according to their individual preferences and needs. This approach is often adopted by people who want to reduce their environmental impact, improve their health or simply try a variety of foods.
One of the main advantages of flexitarianism is the possibility of obtaining the benefits of a plant-based diet, such as reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity, while still consciously enjoying foods of animal origin. Furthermore, this food choice can help preserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote animal welfare.