Consider a flexitarian diet

The choice is usually divided between a reduction in meat intake or complete cessation and a move to a vegetarian only diet. The most popular option is simply to change the ratio between meat and vegetables. This reduction-in-meat diet, called flexitarianism, is a combination of the words “flexible” and “vegetarian”.

This diet style is gaining popularity as it is an uncomplicated, healthy way of eating. Simply put, it is a workable option rather than following a strictly vegetarian diet. It has a growing following amongst diet conscious people. The beauty of following this eating pattern is that you place a lot of effort into maximising your plant-based intake while still having the luxury of occasionally spoiling yourself with a tasty burger or steak.

Improved heart health and continual weight loss are two of the positive outcomes from this diet.

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Start off gently

The idea is not to shock your gut but rather to do a slow and gentle introduction to decreasing your meat intake. The idea is to start by extending your “meatless Monday” to a Tuesday. Try and keep your total weekly consumption of meat to under 800 grams. You can continue with this for as long as you need to before taking the next step.

While you are focused on reducing your meat intake, increase your intake of vegetables and fruits. Now consider stretching your meat-free days to three or four and appreciate the fact that you are doing incredibly good things for your body and mind. You should find that it could well come with no effort to now reduce your meat intake for the week to half a kilogram.

After having noticed an improvement in your sense of well-being and quite possibly some weight loss, you are going to be motivated to make one last commitment. Remind yourself that you are under no pressure to do this as soon as possible, but look forward to further reducing your meat intake to a maximum of 250 grams over only two days of the week.

Keep in mind that your variety of plant-based foods needs to be widened to include an increase in plant proteins such as beans and lentils. A quick search on Google will give you a ton of information.

It will feel good to be able to smile at yourself in the mirror, seeing your much healthier and happier you smiling back.

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Ease the withdrawal

Some people might fear that the discomfort of removing meat from a diet can be equated to stopping smoking. There is no need to be too stressed about that nowadays, there have been big improvements in the meat substitute industry. Gone are the days of a miserable dry offering that had as much texture and flavour as cardboard.

Food scientists have been steadily improving the processing of plant-based foods. The important points that have been focused on are appearance, flavour, and mouthfeel, amongst others. As a passionate meat eater, it has never been easier to move over to a flexitarian lifestyle.

Look in your supermarket for the vegetarian aisle and treat yourself to a surprisingly delicious burger or a spicy curry with no guilt. The final step in this journey is to buy fresh vegetables and prepare your own meals at home.