flexitarianism

A flexitarian diet, also called a semi-vegetarian diet, is one that is centered on plant-based foods with limited consumption of meat and other animal products. People who follow a flexitarian diet often reduce their intake of red meat and poultry while increasing consumption of other plant-based food groups such as fruits, vegetables, and grains. People adopt flexitarian diets for a variety of reasons, including health, environmental, ethical, and economic considerations.

== Definitions == Flexitarianism generally refers to a diet that consists most prominently of plant-based foods while allowing occasional consumption of meat or other animal products. Definitions of flexitarianism vary across countries, reflecting differences in cultural eating patterns. International research explains that flexitarianism is used as a broader term to describe partial reductions in meat consumption without fixed requirements. According to the Dutch environmental organization Natuur & Milieu, a flexitarian eats no meat, fish, or lunch meat for at least one day a week. The Dutch research agency I&O Research calls people flexitarian when they do not eat meat one or more days a week. The Dutch food health authority, Voedingscentrum states that flexitarians do not eat meat (but can eat fish) three or more days a week in between or with a hot meal.