Brenda Peralta is a Certified Diabetes Educator, and Sports Nutritionist with a Bachelor’s in Nutrition and Dietetics. With over 9 years of experience helping people reach their sports and nutrition goals, Brenda is also a Better Me Health Coach.
Healthy eating doesn’t have to be too complicated or restrictive.
If you want to follow a plant-based diet but want some wiggle room during the weekends (or other days), a flexitarian approach could be the one for you.
Wondering what is an easy flexitarian meal prep for a week is valid. The flexitarian meal plan is one of the many types of vegetarian diets.
Flexitarian combines the best of plant-based and moderate animal-based eating, providing you with flexibility, balance, and variety.
Whether you want to:
This type of eating can be a great option.
However, if you are new to a flexitarian approach or a pro that struggles with consistency, meal prepping may be your biggest ally to help you stay on track.
Meal prepping can help with consistency and help you save time (and money) when following a flexitarian meal plan.
But if you are scared of the word “meal prepping,” we’ve got you covered!
Here, we will discuss a flexitarian meal prep for beginners.
We’ll talk about:
A flexitarian meal plan is a flexible approach to eating that focuses primarily on plant-based foods while allowing you to add occasional animal-based products like meat, fish, eggs, or cheese.
This type of meal balance aims to provide variety and moderation.
It mainly prioritizes fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and plant-based proteins without eliminating any food group.
The most significant benefit of a flexitarian meal plan is that you can tailor it to fit your personal preferences, whether you want to:
There are several advantages to the flexitarian diet:
However, while the diet offers several benefits, it has some potential challenges:
As we’ve seen, the flexitarian diet is all about flexibility.
However, when you have too much flexibility, staying on track and avoiding losing focus can be challenging.
Meal prepping is a great option to help you stay on track on a flexitarian diet.
Meal prepping is the process of planning and preparing your meals in advance, often for the entire week. Combining these two concepts (flexitarian diet + meal prepping) helps you get the most out of a flexitarian lifestyle while consistently making it easier to eat nutritious, home-cooked meals.
Flexitarian meal prep allows you to maintain a mostly plant-based diet without the stress of daily meal decisions, helping you save time and eat healthier.
Read more: Flexitarian Diet Food List: Plant-Based, With A Side Of Freedom
There are several benefits to flexitarian meal prep.
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Yes, you can lose weight on a flexitarian diet, especially with meal prepping.
A flexitarian diet emphasizes nutrient-dense, plant-based foods that are often lower in calories and higher in fiber, which can help keep you fuller for longer (1).
By including portion control and balanced meals through meal prepping, you reduce the chances of indulging in unhealthy snacks or oversized portions.
Focusing on whole, minimally processed foods also helps reduce empty calories often found in highly processed, sugary, or fatty snacks.
Flexitarians typically eat meat a few times weekly, but the frequency can vary depending on personal preferences and dietary goals. Some may include meat in only 1-2 weekly meals, while others might consume it more often, such as every other day.
In the end, it all comes down to flexibility.
One of the great things about being a flexitarian is that there are no strict rules, and people can adapt their meat intake to what works best for them and their lifestyle.
So, can you meal prep on a flexitarian diet?
Absolutely. Starting a flexitarian meal prep routine may sound overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be!
Here are some steps to help you start this meal prep journey:
Stock up on staple ingredients like:
If you are still struggling to start a flexitarian meal plan, here is a 7-day option with great flexitarian recipes. Feel free to mix and match options or swap in your favorite ingredients.
If you need something more specific, make sure you consult with a healthcare professional.
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Read more: Plant-Based Diet Meals: Simple Examples, Benefits, Potential Side Effects & More
Here are some tips to help you succeed in your flexitarian meal prep journey:
Absolutely! Focusing on whole, minimally processed foods combined with meal prep helps control calorie intake, making flexitarian meal prep for weight loss possible. The meat consumption amounts vary based on personal preference but generally 2–3 times weekly. Remember that you should still focus on a predominantly plant-based diet. The options are endless! Think hearty veggie chili, grain bowls, or even pasta with a veggie-packed marinara sauce. Popular flexitarian breakfast options include smoothies, overnight oats, or avocado toast with a poached egg. Both diets have health benefits. Flexitarian diets offer more flexibility and can be easier to maintain for those who want occasional animal-based products. It requires planning to ensure balanced nutrition and may feel less structured for those used to rigid meal plans. Frequently Asked Questions
Can you lose weight on a flexitarian diet?
How many times a week do flexitarians eat meat?
What can a flexitarian have for dinner?
What do flexitarians eat for breakfast?
Is flexitarian healthier than vegan?
What are the disadvantages of a flexitarian diet?
Transitioning to flexitarian meal prep is a slight change with significant results.
It combines the best of both worlds—a predominantly plant-based diet with occasional flexibility.
From health benefits to saving time and money, there are countless reasons to try it out.
Start simple, focus on quality ingredients, and enjoy the process. It’s not just a meal plan; it’s a lifestyle choice that’s kinder to your body, wallet, and the planet.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not serve to address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on for making any kind of decision-making. Any action taken as a direct or indirect result of the information in this article is entirely at your own risk and is your sole responsibility.
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