[ By AdelC ]
It all started two years ago when my husband was facing a health challenge. I made a pledge that I would go on a 100-day vegetarian diet if things improved and when he makes a full recovery.
In the past, I have tried to lead a vegan lifestyle but that did not work well for my body or my health. I experienced dizzy spells because of the low blood pressure, and my love for meat was another obstacle that kept me from persevering on for longer. This time, however, as I was fulfilling my pledge, I noticed my indigestion problem improved and I was also feeling less lethargic at work.
Hence, I decided to be a Flexitarian from then. The Flexitarian diet was created by dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner to help people reap the benefits of being vegetarian while still enjoying animal products in moderation. Personally, I follow a plant-based diet five days a week, while leaving my weekends for the meaty indulgence in the name of balance and moderation.
My reason for sticking to this diet is definitely not to lower my body weight. Having to manage a busy career, family and looking after a child with autism, it is imperative that my own health is at the best it can be.
Furthermore, being a Flexitarian also helps to lower the risk of heart disease and cancer. I feel this lifestyle, coupled with the benefits I have experienced from my journey are more than enough reasons for me to continue with this practice.
Essentially, this diet is about prioritizing veggie-rich dishes. Here’s an idea of what my weekly menu consists of:
- An assortment of vegetables, mushrooms and fruits.
- Grains, legumes, nuts and eggs.
- Soy products like tofu, miso and tempeh.
- Meat and animal products from time to time or in moderation.
What I love about this alternative diet is that it allows for guilt-free indulgences while encouraging more vegetables and nutrient-dense foods into my diet. Every other week, I still enjoy my favorite meat burger without having it put a toll on my ageing digestive system, and most importantly, I don’t end up feeling resentful from trying to follow an overly rigid regimen.