2009 Food Trend: Flexitarianism

ng to a recent study by the American Dieteticvariety and amounts of foods selected are adequate.
Association, already a quarter of Americans fit theProtein sources from the Meat and Beans group for
description of a flexitarian, eating meatless meals atvegetarians include beans, nuts, nut butters, peas,
least four days a week. A flexitarian diet is exactlyand soy products like tofu, tempeh and veggie
what doctors, nutritionists, dieticians and public healthburgers.
advocates have been recommending for many yearsThere are many resources for people considering
because the emphasis of the eating trend is onvegetarian or flexitarian lifestyles, especially in cooking
produce rather than protein consumption. Mostand food magazines. Among the top food magazines
flexitarians meet the recommended daily intake ofis Vegetarian Times magazine. Vegetarian Times
fruits and vegetables, whereas meat-eaters do not.magazine is published nine times a year and provides
There are many reasons why people choose to bereaders with information, news and trends on the
flexitarians rather than vegetarians. Some of theforefront of the vegetarian-eating movement. The
most popular reasons are social, pragmatic, culturalmagazine also provides delicious recipes, wellness tips,
ore nutritional. Like most diets, there is a wide rangeenvironmentally-friendly lifestyle solutions and health
in the circumstances of flexitarian dietary practices.and nutrition advice from nutritionists and doctors.
Futhermore, studies show that people who followOther food magazine with plenty of vegetarian and
the flexitarian approach to eating generally weigh lessflexitarian recipes and meal-planning ideas are Cooking
and have lower rates of hypertension, heart disease,Light, Gourmet, Cook’s Illustrated, Bon Appetit
diabetes and prostate and colon cancer.and Food and Wine. These magazines also offer
Flexitarian diets, just like vegetarian diets can meet alladvice and lists on which chain and local restaurants
the recommendations for nutrients. The key, as inbest accommodate vegetarian diners and
any diet, is to consume a variety of foods and themodifications to menu items by providing meatless
right amount of those foods to meet your caloriealternatives. The magazines also provide readers with
needs. Nutrients that flexatarians may need to focuswhich cuisines, like Indian and Chinese, are most
on include protein, iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamin B12.vegetarian-friendly.
You should consult the food pyramid for the correctAlso, food magazines can help you navigate the
amount of calories for your age group, height andworld of vegetarian products like veggie burgers, soy
weight.milk and egg substitutes now on the market.
Flexetarians can get enough protein as long as the