The Flexitarian Diet Cookbook
A Nice Guide Containing Healthy Recipes
BY: Ivy Hope
Copyright 2020 by Ivy Hope
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Table of Contents
Introduction
There are many benefits to following the Flexitarian diet. One of the things that makes this diet so much better than all those fad diets that the internet, the magazine industry and thousands of weight loss forums are swamped with is the fact that it isnt just about weight loss. Sure, turning flexitarian will inevitably lead to weight loss, but it is healthy weight loss; you will be enjoying a wider range of healthier foods. Being flexitarian actually improves your health as well as helping you become slimmer.
Flexitarianism isnt just an option for meat eaters who are attracted to vegetarianism; it is also a healthy approach for vegetarians who would like to introduce some meat into their diets for health reasons or personal preferences. Try to view your diet as a fluid aspect of your life; just because you are a vegetarian doesnt mean you cannot revise your needs and desires and alter how you eat. In the same way, being a meat eater who decides to reduce the amount of meat in your diet doesnt mean you cannot commit to full vegetarianism; flexitarianism is a lifestyle choice in its own right, so work out what is best for you and ignore the social pressure to fall neatly into either the veggie category or the meat eater category.
Weight Loss
Vegetarians actually tend to be slimmer than those who eat meat regularly. They consume fewer calories and studies suggest that they feel fuller for longer. Think about how many vegetables and grains you could eat for the same calorific impact as a typical steak; vegetarians typically feel full after many fewer calories.
It makes sense that if you eat less meat but replace it with lots of high calorie alternatives, then you arent going to lose weight! If you are using a flexitarian diet in order to lose excess weight, then the same rules apply whether you were a meat eater or vegetarian before making a move to flexitarianism; youve got to make healthy choices. Simply reducing the meat in your diet wont have a noticeable effect on your weight unless you are aware of what the meat is being replaced by and make a conscious effort to choose the right types of foods.
For flexitarians, the best way to replace some of the meat in your diet is to seek out healthy sources of protein.
These include;
Legumes (beans, peas and pulses); try replacing the ground beef in chili con carne with extra kidney beans, lentils and chick peas.
Meat replacement products such as quorn, tofu or soya; used in place of meat in any number of creative ways.
Nuts and seeds; snacking now and then on nuts and seeds is a great way to consume healthy fats and protein.
Eggs; an omelet packed with fresh veggies is a great high protein option that also helps you to feel satisfied and full.
Choosing healthy replacements for the meat you are eliminating from your diet will inevitably lead to consuming fewer calories. Of course, the whole point of flexitarianism is that you have the freedom to eat meat when you want, so the second aspect of lowering calorie intake and losing weight on the flexitarian diet is in choosing the healthiest, leanest meats possible when you do opt to eat meat.
Vegetarians are likely to eat less processed foods. Meat products such as sausages, burgers, processed meat products and deli meats are likely to contain higher levels of fat and additives. So, it all certainly depends on the type of meat you choose to eat. Obviously, those who choose lean cuts of quality meat will consume fewer calories than those who opt for heavily processed meat products.
Flexitarianism works best for weight loss when the meat you consume is carefully chosen to be healthy as well as enjoyable.
For example;
Instead of buying processed meat products such as burgers, learn to make your own from quality lean ground beef, using egg to bind the meat together and adding the seasoning of your choice, from salt and pepper to chili or cumin for a spicy alternative. You can even add finely chopped vegetables for an extra filling option. By making your own burgers, you cut the calories you are taking in, you get a better tasting meal and you arent consuming the preservatives and additives that commercially prepared products contain.
Calorie Counts
The flexitarian diet plan suggests following a 3, 4, 5 plan that is easy to remember;
Breakfast - 300 calories
Lunch - 400 calories
Dinner - 500 calories
2x snacks of 150 calories each
This adds up to 1500 calories a day and this umber has been chosen because, alongside regular exercise, it should result in a calorie deficit for weight loss, but it is generous enough to enable you to feel full and satisfied. You can alter these calorie values depending on your current weight, needs or activity level.
Following a flexitarian diet shouldnt feel like starving yourself when you make the right food choices, you can have plenty of healthy, enjoyable and flavorsome foods without going over these calorie guidelines. Guidelines is an important choice of word here you have creative control; you can be flexible. So, as the creator of the diet puts it, you dont have to be sitting at a barbecue with an empty bun! There is plenty of wriggle room just be mindful of your calorie consumption, so if you have a big occasion or celebration and overdo the calories, then you can adjust your calorie intake a little later that day or week. This is more important for those who need to lose weight than those who are just aiming to maintain their current healthy weight.