What do you get when you combine flexible and vegetarian?
You get flexitarian.
The term has become increasingly common over the past few years, particularly as more people look for ways to eat more plant-based foods without following strict dietary rules. But what does flexitarian actually mean — and how does it work in everyday life?
What is a flexitarian diet?
A flexitarian diet is best described as mostly plant-based, with flexibility built in. People who follow a flexitarian approach tend to centre their meals around vegetables, grains, legumes and plant-based proteins, while still choosing to eat meat or fish occasionally.
There’s no fixed definition for how often animal products are included — that’s entirely down to personal preference. Some people eat plant-based meals during the week and include meat at weekends, while others simply reduce portion sizes or frequency.
Rather than being a strict set of rules, flexitarianism is a way of eating that prioritises choice and balance.
Where did the term come from?
The term flexitarian was popularised in the early 2010s as a way to describe eating patterns that sit between vegetarian and omnivorous diets.
Its appeal lies in the fact that it doesn’t require giving anything up completely. Instead, it encourages people to explore plant-based foods while keeping flexibility around social occasions, eating out and personal preferences.
Why do people choose a flexitarian lifestyle?
People choose flexitarian eating for many different reasons. For some, it’s about variety and trying new foods. For others, it’s about reducing reliance on meat without removing it entirely.
Common motivations include:
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Wanting to cook with more vegetables and plant-based ingredients
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Enjoying the flexibility of not following strict rules
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Exploring plant-based meals while keeping familiar foods on the menu
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Making gradual changes rather than an all-or-nothing switch
Flexitarianism often appeals to people who want a practical, adaptable approach to eating.
Flexitarian eating and the environment
Another reason some people adopt a flexitarian approach is its connection to broader conversations about food production and sustainability.
By choosing plant-based meals more often, people may feel they’re taking small, manageable steps towards reducing their overall environmental impact without committing to a fully vegetarian or vegan diet.
Again, this looks different for everyone and tends to be guided by individual values rather than strict definitions.
How to approach flexitarian eating
If you’re curious about flexitarian eating, many people start small. This might mean:
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Planning one or two meat-free meals per week
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Swapping meat in familiar recipes for plant-based alternatives
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Exploring new ingredients like beans, lentils or tempeh
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Keeping favourite meals on rotation and adapting them gradually
Because the flexitarian approach is intentionally flexible, there’s no “right” way to do it.
What does a flexitarian plate look like?
A typical flexitarian meal often centres around:
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Vegetables and salads
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Grains such as rice, pasta or quinoa
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Plant-based proteins like lentils, chickpeas or tempeh
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Herbs, spices and flavourful sauces
Animal products, when included, tend to play a supporting role rather than being the main focus of the plate.
Flexitarian meal ideas
Here are some simple examples of flexitarian-friendly meals:
Breakfast
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Porridge with fruit and nuts
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Toast with avocado
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Smoothies made with fruit and plant-based milk
Lunch
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Grain bowls with roasted vegetables and tempeh
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Wraps filled with beans, salad and sauces
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Soups made with lentils or vegetables
Dinner
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Stir-fries with vegetables and tempeh
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Tacos with plant-based fillings
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Pasta dishes with vegetable-rich sauces
👉 Looking for inspiration? Explore our tempeh recipes for flexible, plant-forward meal ideas.
Is flexitarian right for everyone?
Like any way of eating, flexitarianism isn’t about being perfect. Its popularity comes from the fact that it’s adaptable, realistic and easy to personalise.
For many people, it’s a way to enjoy plant-based meals more often while still keeping options open, making it easier to stick with long term.
Final thoughts
Flexitarian eating is less about labels and more about intentional choices. Whether you’re cooking plant-based a few times a week or simply exploring new ingredients, flexibility is at the heart of the approach.
However you choose to eat, variety, enjoyment and balance are what matter most.
Grab life by the plants 🌱
