‘Flexitarian’ explained
I have seen this word a lot around the internet these days, but I’ve never once heard it used in ‘real life’. I don’t know a single person who identifies him or herself with this word, so I had to return to the internet to figure out what it meant. The Macmillan English Dictionary offers this succinct definition:
flexitarian noun [C]
a person who consumes mainly vegetarian food but occasionally eats meat or fish
Several sites describe a flexitarian as someone who eats vegetarian food at home, but enjoys eating meat at restaurants and at other people’s homes. That would make my husband a flexitarian for sure. I will have to make sure I ridicule him for being a trend-follower :)
Actually a lot of people I know would fall into this definition. And according to several articles I’ve seen, it is a growing trend. Although this article makes them sound like failed vegetarians, I think it’s fabulous that more people are actively thinking about what they put into their bodies on a daily basis, and are striving to make their diets healthier. It also sounds like a great way to ease into a vegetarian diet, for those who are thinking of making the switch but find going ‘cold turkey’ too daunting.
There have been a few times over the years when I have wished I could be a flexitarian (although not knowing what it was called) - occasions where I’ve been a guest in someone’s home in a foreign culture, and had to face the choice between offending my hosts and choking down the local meat specialty that they slaved over to prepare just for me their honored guest. Although I am 100% happy to be a vegetarian the rest of the time, in those rare situations I really wish I could get over my aversion to meat and just eat it.
So welcome to any flexitarians out there who happen to be reading this. Even if I still giggle when I hear the word ‘flexitarian’, I completely respect your diet choice. The freegans, on the other hand, still have some convincing to do.
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POSTED IN: Becoming Vegetarian, Media, Thoughts
4 opinions for ‘Flexitarian’ explained
Ross
Oct 5, 2006 at 8:45 am
Flexitarian - I like that.
I like that it gives a lot of in-betweeny, not quite sure, in limbo people a group to belong to - and that’s kinda nice.
Heh - really glad I found this blog (through the link on Darren Rowse’s blog) - tis quality.
Oh, and you’re right freevagnism looks lame ;)
Diet Blog Round-up (THDBR) #24 & 25 » Energise Blog: Health, Nutrition & Wellbeing
Oct 5, 2006 at 8:52 am
[…] Veggie Chic explains what a flexitarian is - it is ‘a person who consumes mainly vegetarian food but occasionally eats meat or fish’ i.e. my girlfriend. I can’t wait to tell her that. I am glad that this word exists because it will give a lot of people a label or a group, something to call themselves - because I know a lot of people who don’t feel comfortable calling themselves vegetarians, but are not really your normal meat eater either. Well, chaps and chapesses - you’re all a bunch of flexitarians - now eat (occasional meat) and be merry! Sorry, I digress. But this is a great blog that I have only just found so go check it! […]
Sara
Oct 5, 2006 at 5:36 pm
interesting, i didn’t know there is a name for what I have become (I went from vegetarian for about 7 years to flexitarian about a year ago).
For me the main motivation to being vegetarian is to use less resources (since beans take much less water, energy and fertilzer to make than a hamburger) and i have changed to eating meat (like you say, usually as a guest or at a resturant) rarely, so i feel like i am still using less than if i ate it all the time.
Cara
Nov 20, 2006 at 2:23 am
Thank you for sharing this! I am a flexitarian, and I had no idea of this term. I’ve been calling myself a concientcious consumer or a pseudo-vegetarian…but those never quite did it justice. I feel like I may be in transition to becoming a full fledged veggie, but I am a bit reluctant. Flexitarian is a good ground for me right now.
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