Flexitarianism: How Eating A Nearly Meatless Diet Has Changed My Life!

I began considering the idea of reducing my meat intake last summer. I'm a lover of meat by nature, raised on delicious steaks, burgers and chicken made by my grandmother. Meat was always something I craved, and occasionally I still do.

It all started when I began to question more and more about where my food comes from. I've begun an overhaul of eating locally, primarily organically and, of course, healthily. With the influx of fresh fruits and veggies I was incorporating into my diet, I began cutting out meat filled with hormones or antibiotics, and eventually stopped eating any meat raised in less-then-desirable conditions.

Without really noticing, I whittled down my meat intake to maybe the odd local, organic beef burger once a month. Soon not eating meat was a no-brainer. I've learned to cook tons of meatless dishes that are quick and easy and leave me feeling energized and satisfied. Protein can come from a tasty variety of sources (veggies, nuts) so I never feel like I'm not getting enough.

After a few months, I started noticing how heavy and tired I felt after eating a meaty meal (like my favourite organic, local beef burgs) vs. after eating my favourite roasted chickpea salad. I don't get bloated after eating plant-based meals, unlike when my body has to sluggishly digest meaty ones.

I found a word for my kind of diet - "flexitarianism". Mostly flexitarians, like myself, reduce their meat intake for environmental, ethical or economical reasons.

While I personally find this diet a pretty sustainable way to eat, it's not for everyone. What I experience can differ from person to person, but if you're up for a challenge, why not try skimping out on meat for a week? Share with us your experience of how it worked/didn't work plus what type of diet you feel is best for you!