BalanceJuneIssue2017 - 51

V E G GIE VIBES

Food

IS IT TIME YO U B EC A ME A

flexitarian?
Being a 'flexible' vegetarian is one of the
year's biggest eating trends and it can come
with a whole host of health paybacks...
words by
BU S O L A EVANS
photography by
WILL IREL AN D

A

s far as diet trends go, if 2016
was all about 'clean eating'
- a term which ironically has
become increasingly soiled in recent
months - this year surely belongs to
flexitarianism. And its popularity
looks like no flash in the pan.
A recent study found that one in
three people now describes themselves
as flexitarian, 'flexible' vegetarians or
'vegivores' who have a plant-based diet
but allow themselves an occasional
meaty meal. This can also extend to
opting for previously niche gluten-free
and dairy-free foods when it suits.
In the UK, 40% of the population say
they eat less meat than they used to.
'Today, many of us are eating very
differently from the way our parents
and grandparents did,' says leading
nutritionist and food writer Fiona
Hunter. 'Back then there was always
the idea of having "meat and two veg"
but now people are far more accepting
of not having any animal produce in
their meals.'
As a result, flexitarianism can be a
great stepping stone for someone who

FACT: The livestock
sector could be
responsible for as
much as 51% of global
greenhouse gas
emissions - according
to some organisations.

doesn't want to go fully vegetarian
or vegan but wants to eat less
animal produce. 'Recently
experts said we should be eating
10 fruits and vegetables a day,
rather than five-a-day, and this
is easier to do on a flexitarian
diet. Protein replacements like
beans are full of fibre, and help
fight heart disease and improve
digestive health.'

M EAT-FREE BENEFITS
The reason for this sea change can be as
varied as the diet itself, says Fiona. 'For

TODAY'S RANGE
OF INGREDIENTS
MAKE FOOD FOR
FLEXITARIANS
QUICK AND EASY

June 2017 BALANCE

younger people, for instance, giving up
meat can be an economical decision
because meat is expensive and now
there is an increasing awareness
and concern over animal welfare.
'Another reason for the popularity of
flexitarianism is today's accessibility
to a wider range of ingredients that
make food for a flexitarian diet quick
and easy to produce.'
And, of course, the health benefits
of reducing your meat intake are
pretty irrefutable. A study carried out

49



Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of BalanceJuneIssue2017

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