Your Flexitarian Handbook

Curious about a flexitarian diet? Want trustworthy advice, practical guides, and real-life tips for eating mostly plant-based—but still enjoying meat or fish now and then? You’re in the right place! Browse our resource library—perfect for anyone exploring flexible, balanced eating, whether you’re just starting or already living flexitarian.

Flexitarian Basics

Start here to learn what the flexitarian diet is, how it works, and how to enjoy it your own way.

A colorful plate of fresh vegetables, fruits, and grains with a small portion of meat, balanced and healthy, warm lighting, realistic.

What Is the Flexitarian Diet?

The flexitarian diet is a way of eating that mainly focuses on plant-based foods but still allows for meat and other animal products from time to time. Unlike strict diets that have tight rules on what you must or must not eat, the flexitarian diet gives you the freedom to eat mostly plants but doesn’t […]

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A vibrant and balanced meal with colorful vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and a small portion of grilled meat on the side, healthy eating concept, natural lighting, realistic.

What is the Flexitarian Diet and Its Purpose?

What Is the Flexitarian Diet and Its Purpose? The flexitarian diet is a way of eating that puts most of its focus on plant foods but still allows occasional meat and animal products. The main purpose of the flexitarian diet is to help people eat more plant-based foods-such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains-without […]

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Colorful plate with mostly plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits, and grains, with a small portion of meat, bright and fresh, illustrative style.

Flexitarian Diet: How It Works

The flexitarian diet is a mostly plant-based way of eating that still allows you to enjoy meat and other animal products occasionally. This approach brings together the benefits of vegetarian eating but doesn’t fully cut out animal foods, so it’s an easier and more flexible option for many people. The idea behind the name “flexitarian” […]

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Colorful assortment of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains with a small portion of meat on the side, bright and fresh, realistic.

Flexitarian Diet: What to Eat

If you’re interested in the flexitarian diet, you’re probably wondering what kinds of foods are included. The flexitarian diet is a mostly plant-based way of eating, but it also lets you enjoy meat and other animal products on occasion. The word “flexitarian” comes from “flexible” and “vegetarian.” This approach lets you get the benefits of […]

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What Results Can You Expect from a Flexitarian Diet?

The flexitarian diet, a blend of the words “flexible” and “vegetarian,” is a style of eating that focuses on plant-based foods without completely cutting out meat or animal products. Created by dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner, this approach lets people enjoy the health benefits of eating mostly plants but still have meat, fish, or dairy sometimes. […]

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Flexitarian Diet: Pros and Cons

The flexitarian diet, which combines the words “flexible” and “vegetarian,” offers a practical option for people who want the health benefits of a mostly plant-based diet, but don’t want to give up meat completely. This eating style encourages increasing the number of plant-based foods you eat, while still allowing for occasional, moderate servings of meat, […]

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Flexitarian Diet Contraindications: Common Questions

Is the Flexitarian Diet Safe for Everyone? The flexitarian diet blends the words “flexible” and “vegetarian” and has grown in popularity as a way to eat healthier without strict rules or counting calories. Developed by dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner, its main focus is on eating mostly plant-based foods while still allowing some meat and animal […]

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Types of Vegetarianism

When most people think of a “vegetarian diet,” they may immediately think of veganism, possibly due to the popularity of vegan content online. However, vegetarianism includes several different eating patterns, not just avoiding all animal products. Instead of a single, unified way of eating, vegetarianism covers a range of diets, each with its own rules […]

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How to Start a Flexitarian Diet?

Three proven implementation strategies – pick the one that matches your lifestyle.

1

Start with meatless days

Pick one or two days a week to go fully vegetarian, experimenting with plant-based meals you enjoy. Gradually increase these days as you get comfortable, finding your own flexible balance.

2

Make plants the star of your plate

Base your meals around vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, using meat or fish as an occasional side or addition. This helps you naturally eat less meat while still enjoying it when you want.

3

Explore new recipes and ingredients

Try out new plant-based recipes and experiment with different grains, beans, and veggie-based proteins. The more variety you add, the easier — and more fun — it is to stick with a flexitarian approach.

💡 Quick tips for beginners

Balance: Aim for mostly plant-based meals, but enjoy meat, fish, or eggs occasionally—there’s no strict rule, just find what works for you.
Protein: Mix plant proteins (beans, lentils, tofu, nuts) with animal sources in your weekly menu for variety and nutrition.
Smart Swaps: Try swapping out meat for beans, lentils, or mushrooms in your favorite dishes a few times a week.
Community: Join flexitarian or plant-forward groups for recipe ideas, meal inspiration, and support as you explore new foods.
Planning: Prep a mix of plant-based and animal-protein snacks and meals to make healthy choices easier during the week.
Experiment: Explore different cuisines and cooking styles—flexitarian eating can be as adventurous and flavorful as you make it!

Top 100 Flexitarian Recipes Everyone Loves

Here are three mouthwatering ideas — click to see the full list.

Flexitarian-Friendly Restaurants in Major Cities

Find and book restaurants with great flexitarian or plant-forward menus.

Argentina

Argentina

9+ restaurants

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Brazil

Brazil

4+ restaurants

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Colombia

Colombia

16+ restaurants

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El Salvador

El Salvador

5+ restaurants

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Guatemala

Guatemala

12+ restaurants

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Honduras

Honduras

2+ restaurants

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Mexico

Mexico

12+ restaurants

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Nicaragua

Nicaragua

7+ restaurants

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Peru

Peru

5+ restaurants

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